There are very few bright spots on that year end report- used to be that no matter how many gun homicides, we could always say, "Well at least no one was killed with a sword. That's something, right? Move to Baltimore, and live without fear of swords!" Now, even that will have a tally.

Don't remember whether a samurai sword was involved, but a few years ago in East Baltimore, the gypsy king was decapitated.

Only four of those are actually "sword killings."

2009: sword killing
March 2009: sword killing (among other weapons)
2003: was the girlfriend killed?
2000: police shooting
1993: sword killing
1991: sword killing

This survey covers the last 18 years in an area defined from Edgewood to Anne Arundel county.

I guess it depends on what your definition of "not uncommon" is.

sh, thanks for the note, and good point. I changed the headline to read "sword attacks."

Tom, I think you're thinking of Sister Myra in 1994.

The writer of this article is comparing SELF DEFENSE to a "sword attack". Anyone else see a problem with this?

"The writer of this article is comparing SELF DEFENSE to a "sword attack". Anyone else see a problem with this?"

That's because our government and media are trying very hard to brainwash the population into beliving that self-defense is a crime in and of itself. Just look at how it's handled in schools.

I take issue with several points in this article. First to call this a “sword attack” and to place this young man’s actions in the context of gang violence, crimes of passion and drunken brawls does him and all law-abiding citizens a great disservice.
Second you state the use of the samauri sword in Baltimore is "unique" and in the next breath say it "has been used many times before" then proceed to list them. A unique event is properly the only one of its kind.
"Not uncommon" as well gives the wrong impression. Lightening deaths are one would think pretty rare and there were 12 in Maryland the same time period. If you want to point to a not uncommon event how about Baltimore police refusing to write a report (much less investigate) when you have been robbed unless you can prove you have filed an insurance claim. But I digress.
The issue here is not swords, guns, clubs, the jawbone of an ass or any other inanimate object that may be used to kill a human being. Rather the issue is that, in a city and society that promotes victim-hood, one man when confronted with a potentially deadly threat in his home chose to exercise his right to life. Let’s hope that no misguided DA tries to now deny him his liberty and pursuit of happiness.

You baltimore area residents need to take action and go down there to the DA and tell them to drop the case or sentence this guy to community service...I cant believe High crime Baltimore DA is wasting his time with a John Hopkins student . While killing is sad in any form it was self defense

There's an ongoing and very pointed critique of the glamorization of samurai violence going on in San Francisco right now, with a guerrilla art attack on the samurai exhibition at the Asian Art Museum there.

www.asiansart.org

It's Kristallnacht for White People, hear the warning sounds. This time it is the sound of Whites being criticized for defending themselves, but the message is the same...LEAVE.

Saldy, there is one thing that keeps a person in check, fear. All to often the victim is the one afraid and the criminal has power over the situation. Criminals NEED to fear their victims.

If only more burgulars were struck down w/ swords. Seriously. It needs to happen more often truthfully. Crime rate would drop because all the criminals breaking and entering wouldn't get slaps on the wrists only to be released to go try to burgularize again. This guy was a multiple repeat offender. 29 times. How many times DIDN'T he get caught?

I have 2 samurai sword swords on display as well, and if a burgular tries to enter my residence while I am home, he too will meet the same fate as this poor sap with no reservations what-so-ever.

That's what I love about Ohio. We have a "Castle" law here. If anyone comes onto your yard if you have a no trespassing sign you can call the police and they have to arrest the person. But with the castle law ANYONE who comes into your home uninvited is automatically considered a threat to your life and you are able to whatever you deem necessary (blow their brains out). In Cincinnati the cops won't even arrest store owners who chase burglars out into the street and shoot them in the back. I firmly believe that is the BEST crime deterrent possible, you act up, you get killed.