However, have we become so used to people being murdered that it rates no more than a mention halfway through the news. If that is the state society is in, we are all in big trouble.
Are we heading towards a society where tragedies like this become so commonplace that we barely register them.
I sincerely hope not.
We have followed in America's footsteps for far too long. Embracing their traditions such as Halloween is one thing, but to live in a world where gunshots, sirens and death are everyday occurrences is quite another.
My mum made me think about this recently.
She lives near one of the main roads in Hastings and she made a comment about hearing sirens nearly every day.
Once upon a time when you heard a siren or saw a police car speeding through town you would pause and wonder what was happening and hope no one was hurt.
Not so much these days. Sirens are something that we hear more and more often.
So although I say I don't like the fact that we are following in America's footsteps, I do believe our frontline police officers need to be able to protect themselves.
If that means arming them, then so be it.
When I get ready for work each day I make a meal to take with me (if I'm good, sometimes I'm not), I make sure I have everything I need, make sure the house is locked, the cat is outside and while I'm getting ready I usually think about what I have to do when I get to work. Call this person, email that one.
I don't ever have to worry about someone taking a swing at me, abusing me, spitting at me, or worst of all pulling a gun on me.
Yes, our police officers have been trained and know what to do in worst case scenarios but as Heather du Plessis-Allan showed it's not hard to get your hands on a gun these days.
She managed, with no licence, to buy a rifle online. An investigation into this has resulted in new processes to close the loophole.
But the fact is if people want firearms badly enough, they'll get them somehow.
The argument that police would get trigger happy if they were armed doesn't sit with me.
Why must we always take the very worst scenario and apply it to one and all.
Let the people that protect us protect themselves.
-Now I can't possibly write a column today without congratulating our World Cup winners. I'm not a huge rugby fan but I couldn't help getting caught up in the hype for the final of the Rugby World Cup.
It's no wonder Richie McCaw is such a star. He was just so humble and dignified after the win. I couldn't stop smiling - I bet there are a few sore heads out there this morning. Well done the mighty All Blacks.
-Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.
