They are not interested in civillians, but in causing chaos and havoc. The thing started because one of the leaders was transfered from a maximum security prison as he was discovered, and they started a whole terrorist act to promote chaos and panic througout the state.

I do not own a gun and don't want to, even on this situation.

I've heard that all prisons were taken into control of the police forces and all the hostages were rescued. This is a major step foward. Let's see what they can do to control the rioting, looting and violence on streets.