This is a real problem in modern society. Centuries ago if you had an angry individual on a killing spree all he could do is wave a sword or a knife, until someone finally stabs him in the back or shoots with an arrow. Now, with modern weapons and explosive the same guy could take out hundreds of people before he's killed.
This also holds true for governments. We don't even blink when 100 random civilians are killed in the latest airstrike in Syria.
"The state holds a monopoly on violence".