What does stop a criminal? Evidence suggests even more than increased police patrols, the fear of an armed citizenry makes a criminal have second thoughts. A number of studies dating back to the 1980’s indicate a majority of criminals say they will not engage in a criminal act against someone they believe is armed. But who’s armed in Washington, D.C.? Only the criminals and the police. There’s a vast unarmed populace to take advantage of, and no one is safe. Not even the former mayor.