I’m not sure this is unusual.
The IRS has security personnel, and dedicated Marshals and Agents that are intended to protect IRS Revenue Officers during contentious activities, or activities with particularly belligerent tax debtors. It is my understanding that it is not completely unusual for a Revenue Officer to meet with some resistance.
It is within the IRS’s authority to seize property for failure to pay large tax debts (sometimes it is justified) — and the IRS won’t send some poor accountant by himself to seize a house ... they’ll send him with armed escorts. Whether the weapons are provided by the IRS, or whether those personnel are typically employed by the US Marshals or FBI, I don’t know. I would figure at least some of the personnel are employed by the IRS.
SnakeDoc
Another reason for the FairTax.
They can do it through peaceful means, not violence against citizens.
Lots'a FReepers would tell 'em to get lost, I'm sure, but I don't see many of us getting violent unless threatened.
Come to think of it, a visit from any federal agent IS threatening...