Should Firefighters Be Allowed to Carry Weapons?

The city of Suwanee was in the nation's eye Wednesday after five Gwinnett County firefighters were taken hostage by a 55-year-old man who had called 911 claiming he was suffering from a medical emergency.

Gwinnett officials on Thursday said Lauren Holman Brown likely planned the incident, as he told his hostages that he chose firefighters "because he knew (police) would come armed.”

The incident ended when Brown was killed after exchanging gunfire with Gwinnett SWAT officers. An officer was wounded in the left forearm by a shot from Brown when police entered the house, according to a police statement; the injured officer returned fire, killing Brown. The firefighters who were held captive were treated for superficial wounds.

Read more of Patch's coverage about this story:

• Gwinnett SWAT Standoff: 'It Was a Typical Call'
• Suwanee Hostage-Taker Dead After Gunfire Exchanged With SWAT Team
• UPDATED: Gwinnett Firefighters Rescued from Hostage Situation; Suspect Dead
• SWAT Standoff in Suwanee; Gunman Holding Firefighters Hostage

The entire incident lasted about four hours. Police officials say they entered the house because they felt Brown would not release the hostages even if his demands were met.

Should firefighters be allowed to carry weapons, if given proper training? Would arming one of the Gwinnett firefighters have prevented the hostage situation?

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