The U.S. isn't the only country which seems to be experiencing an onslaught of gun-toting madmen going on bloody killing sprees. The latest occurred last night, Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at approximately 9 p.m. in a normally peaceful village of Daillon in Switzerland, The Daily Mail Online reported.
Three women perished with others wounded in this most recent carnage perpetrated by a 33-year-old with a history of mental health issues, who had allegedly been drinking heavily just prior to the shootings.
The Daily Mail Online reported, "Local prosecutor Catherine Seppey said the dead women were aged 32, 54 and 79", but have their identities have not been released.
Police were able to apprehend him after 20 shots, but Seppey said if they had not caught him when they did, more would have died. She said the man, a drug addict, knew all his victims, but no motive has yet been established.
The man, only identified as FB, was armed with two hunting rifles and an assault rifle.
Swiss general prosecutor Catherine Sappey said "at least two weapons were used' including a hunting rifle and an antique military carbine dating from before World War II. The man was known for having issued threats," said Ms Sappey, who added that he had spent time in psychiatric ward in 2005 after having guns confiscated.
Switzerland is currently debating the gun availability issue, and the Daily Mail reported, "Soldiers are allowed to keep their military weapons at home when not serving in the army and the law allows for any citizen over 18 to easily obtain a weapon, whether a reservist or not," due to the fact there is no standing army in the country. In addition, hunting is very popular there.
It is estimated there are approximately two million weapons in private hands in the small country, with 240,000 unregistered weapons. Approximately 300 shooting deaths occur a year in Switzerland with army-issued guns as the weapon.
Police spokesman Jean-Marie Bornet said 'At the moment there is incomprehension and shock here in Valais.The toll is very, very heavy. It's a sombre start to the year for the canton.'
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