Too many people pearl clutching today over worries of retributive violence, as if the fascists aren't already going to be committing that violence on us in the near future regardless. It's not too early to say that this scumbag deserved much worse and I'm glad he got rocked so publicly. Mods I'll understand if you delete this and I'm truly sorry for the trouble if you do, I just need a personal break today from the media cacophony of liberals collectively reconciling with the realization that we live in an abnormally and horrifically violent society.
Switzerland requires training courses and other regulations we don't have have afaik, though not an expert, which likely helps a lot.
America as a non homogenous society, and always has been rife with divisions as well. These divisions easily, even subconsciously stoke fear into people, prompting a bigger draw towards self defense.
Early pioneer spirit also drilled it into the American consciousness. Needed a gun to defend your farm/animals from predators or other people when law enforcement didn't exist or was hours away back in the day. Also leads to guns being in the family, needing back ups, a gun for every able bodied person etc ...
So a big culture of self defense being the only viable defense for much of American history, consistent concerns about the "others" (for a large chunk of time also includes slave revolts), and relatively lax requirements (stemming from the other reasons mentioned) and boom. Crazy gun obsessed culture.
Self defense often means a gun for me. I live on the edge of town, not sure how fast cops could get here. I'm in the woods and on the waters all the time, sometimes almost everyday. These aren't nature parks. The places I go are wild.
If I get out south of my camp in the swamp, there are zero humans our there with no way for them to get in. I'm pretty determined but much if it is impassable even for me. Animals don't have the same problems. Last trip I stumbled on water moccasins on three occasions. Not gonna shot one, but if I fuck up and get to close to get away, shotgun it is.
Went down a creek one time and when I returned the next day a teen girl came running up, almost crying, "We saw you leave and you never came back and we were just talking about who to call!" Because no one, ever, goes on that water. Saw a hulking male mountain lion though!
I feel for you living in a uncivilized country where you need a weapon in order to feel safe.