Violent crime is on the rise in St. Louis, and at least one city leader has a solution to the problem: more armed, law-abiding citizens.
Last year, City Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe, along with a group of concerned citizens, approached a district police commander looking for answers and reassurance in the wake of his city’s rising crime rate. What they were told didn’t make them feel better. According to Alderman Troupe, the police commander told the group “there was nothing he could do to protect us and the community ... that he didn’t have the manpower.”
Frustrated with law enforcement officials and what he sees as an ineffective response to crime in the city, Alderman Troupe recently called on residents to arm themselves for self-defense, and to protect their families and property. “The community has to be ready to defend itself, because it’s clear the economy is going to get worse, and criminals are getting more bold,” said Troupe.