King County Sheriff asks deputies to ‘always carry sidearm’ | Paris attack response

In wake of the recent attacks in Paris, King County Sheriff John Urquhart sent an email to all of his deputies on Tuesday asking them to carry their weapons while off duty.

“Of course we should all stay vigilant and ‘if you see something say something,’ but after Paris, that doesn’t seem enough,” said Sheriff John Urquhart. “While off duty I am asking all commissioned personnel to always carry their sidearm, with extra magazines.”

In the email, which was released by the Sheriff’s Office, Urquhart also told his deputies that the FBI has not received any specific, credible information of any imminent attacks to this country.

“I believe the bigger threat to the greater Seattle area is a home-grown terrorist who decides to act unilaterally in support of ISIL,” Urquhart said.

Sheriff Urquhart ended the email to his deputies saying, “Now is the time! With all that is going on in the world, it is more important than ever to have the means to protect your family, the public, and yourself.”

Here is the email:

First the update:

I have received several updates from the FBI, including information on the shootings and the resulting investigation. So far, at least 130 persons were killed and at least 352 were injured, with approximately 157 in critical condition. A variety of methods were used, including bombings, hand grenades, and small arms at five shooting locations and three bombing locations in and just outside Paris.

One American was killed and four were wounded, none critically.

According to the French government, eight attackers were killed. Seven killed themselves and one was shot by French police. ISIL claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Since the Friday night massacre, at least nine people were arrested over the course of more than 150 anti-terrorism raids across France, some of which were linked to the terrorist attacks.  Raids also occurred in Belgium and Germany with more arrests.

ISIL released a propaganda video on Monday and threatened additional attacks in Europe and the United States, specifically mentioning Washington DC.

Despite their video, the FBI continues to say they have no specific, credible information of any imminent attacks in this country.

Nevertheless, I believe the bigger threat to the greater Seattle area is a home-grown terrorist who decides to act unilaterally in support of ISIL.  As they have in the past, ISIL released a video on Saturday, urging attacks anywhere, saying there are “weapons and cars available and targets ready to be hit.”  I believe this is the biggest threat to our area.

So what should we do?  Of course we should all stay vigilant and “if you see something, say something.” But after Paris, that doesn’t seem enough.  Therefore my request.

While off-duty I am asking all commissioned personnel to always carry their sidearm, with extra magazines. I know that some of you already do, but many do not. Now is the time! With all that is going in the world, it is more important than ever to have the means to protect your family, the public, and yourself.

Thank you. Please stay safe!