Who Guards the Guards: Houston Cop Accidentally Shoots Himself

One argument made time and time by the anti-gun crowd is that gun owners can accidentally cause harm to others or themselves. While the vast majority of gun owners are very responsible, it is true that accidents do happen. And we are sad to report that it has happened with a police officer, something that makes us question the opinion that it is somehow OK for the police to be armed and private citizens not armed. The Houston Chronicle noted:

“A police officer was injured when he accidentally discharged his weapon at an off-duty job in southwest Houston late Saturday afternoon, authorities said… He was taking his pistol out of his waistband and placing it in his police holster when he accidentally discharged it.”

Clearly this was an accident, and we are relieved that the paper added that he was only grazed by the bullet. This could have been far worse of course. But it is also proof that police officer’s are people just like anyone else. They can make mistakes too. But should we rely on police protection as our only line of defense from criminals?