Maybe I misread the original post, but I think the Navy is there to support the CG operation. The USCG reports to DHS, not DoD. Even though coasties are treated like military, legally they aren't. The Coasties are there as LEOs, and should be the only ones in a position to be fired upon.
MJ
Excellent point.
I don't know where you heard crime was up in NYC after 9 11. Thats wrong as I work for the city and was part of the clean up crew and the security in Manhatten was extremly tight. There is no way the NYPD would have let anything get that far out of hand.