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There’s a first time for everything.

Police shot and killed a gunman firing a shotgun in his apartment in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik — an incident almost expected in the U.S. but never done before in the country with the lowest crime rate in the world.

In comparison, there were 16 fatal police shootings in New York City alone. Statistics on deadly police force in the U.S. aren’t comprehensive because the FBI does not keep records, but according to the agency’s Uniform Crime Report, close to 400 “felons” have been killed annually by law enforcement officers over the past several years.

One the other hand, the regular Icelandic police force aren’t even permitted to carry firearms. Even in this extreme case, police weren’t quick to call a special armed force unit.

The police first fired tear gas canisters through the windows of the shooter’s building, but failed to subdue the unidentified 59-year-old man. They then entered the man’s apartment, but he continued to fire his shotgun, injuring one officer in the face and another in the hand.

The special force moved in and shot the man. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. His motive is unclear, although police believe he acted alone.

Following the first police shooting in the history of the country, the Icelandic police chief extended his condolences to the gunman’s family.

“Police regret the incident and would like to extend their condolences to the family of the man.” He also said the police killing was “without precedent” in Iceland.

As a result of the shooting, the special forces team is being counseled and the police conduct in the incident is under investigation.

In other words, we need to be more like Iceland.

SOURCE: Buzzfeed | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty