A common phrase used by individuals promoting gun rights for self-defense goes something like this: “When seconds count, the police are minutes away.” The point is that you need the freedom to be able to defend yourself because the police won’t be there for you.

Based on the 60 Minutes interview below following the ISIS attacks in Paris, it appears that Washington, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier agrees. 

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Here are a few highlights from Police Chief Lanier:

  • “Your options are to run, hide, or fight.”
     
  • “The facts of the matter is that most active shooters kill most of the victims in 10 minutes or less. The best police department in the country is going to be about a five minute to seven minute response.”
     
  • “I always say if you can get out, getting out is your first option, your best option.”
     
  • “If you’re in a position to try and take the gunman down, take the gunman out, it’s the best option for saving lives before police can get there. And that’s kind of counterintuitive to what cops always tell people. We always tell people, ‘don’t take action, call 911, don’t intervene in the robbery.’ We’ve never told people, ‘take action.’ This is a different scenario.”
     
  • “You can be prepared and you can have a society that is resilient and alert and conscientious and safer without scaring people.”
     
  • “Ignoring it and not preparing yourself, that’s not an option anymore.”