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In reply to the discussion: Justice for Tamir Rice! 12 year old shot and killed for a BB gun. [View all]branford
(4,462 posts)However, until such time that you can virtually guarantee that 12 year old boys are incapable and unlikely of possessing a firearm and shooting other children or adults, causing serious injury and death, the only life you're allowed to gamble is your own.
I would stress, however, that just because this shooting appears justified under all laws and relevant procedures, does not mean shooting all children who appear to possess a firearm is mandated in all situations. In fact, if the officers' account is true, if the boy simply raised his hands when ordered to do so, a very reasonable, easy to understand, and entirely expected demand under the circumstances, he would be alive and unharmed today. It's not like the officers showed up at a playground and just started shooting at kids.
Discretion and prudence is certainly required in all circumstances. I just simply do not understand the knee-jerk and unqualified outrage at the officers' conduct given what we currently know. It appears that to many, the only way any officer could prove he acted properly is if he's shot. Police procedures and the law are designed in such manner to keep officers and innocent bystanders unharmed when faced with an armed suspect. It's also only appropriate to judge the officers on what they knew during the incident, not withthe benefit of later investigation, insight and extended and relaxed introspection.
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