If we're not expected to feel protected, I think the Defence Force has a branding problem.
[ But that's besides the point. He feels about as safe now as he did as a member, perhaps more so since he armed himself. ]
For starters, I would've made a statement sooner. Something short, to show that people are aware of what's going on and that something is being done about it without going into details that may be irrelevant at the time. Public relations goes a long way – not saying I even think we need such an organised form of government here considering how small the population is, but if we are going to have one it needs to work with the rest of us instead of behind our backs.
[ He's a Federal Agent. He'd like to think he knows a thing or two about this sort of stuff, even if it's just second hand. ]