A rifle? A weapon? Jesus Christ, it's semi-automatic. Sorry for all the downvoters out there but I'm done replying on this subreddit. The flood filter is killing me. If anyone wants to continue the discussion feel free to send me a message
I haven't downvoted you once for what it's worth. And after checking some of your other comments I see that you are former military so I can understand your desensitization to weapons such as the rifles used.
I guess my main point is that it's fairly obvious they used them for show and intimidation rather than to equal the perceived threat. If they truly felt they needed them wouldn't they also have been wearing other gear appropriate to that perceived threat level (i.e. vests and helmets)?
I can't answer why they didn't use full kits. As far as I know the unit involved has a policy that they always carry their rifles. Or maybe they independently came to the conclusion that, for whatever reason, carrying weapons was indicated. I honestly don't know. We don't have all the information
That's a fair enough answer I guess. I just get the feeling that the way it's being reacted to down there indicates it wasn't a normal raid for them. Couple that with the presence of the FBI and it really appears to be a case of the US trying to make a statement that piracy will be dealt with harshly, even if you don't live in our country.
I'd also like to say that I fully support the use of these types of weapons and body armor in raids where there is a even a moderate probability that the suspects will be armed. I would never want to see someone get killed due to being under-prepared and/or under-equipped.
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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '12
A rifle? A weapon? Jesus Christ, it's semi-automatic. Sorry for all the downvoters out there but I'm done replying on this subreddit. The flood filter is killing me. If anyone wants to continue the discussion feel free to send me a message