As far as I know, there's been no confirmation that the police were shot at. They say they were, but I have yet to see video of this. If you know of any, please link it. There's been reports of shots fired, allegedly in the direction of the police. There's also other witnesses that say that's bullshit. With thousands of people out there who all have video recorders on their phones (not to mention all the press), you'd think there would be video of police being fired upon if it happened.
But I digress. The rioting/looting etc definitely calls for swift action and I think a strong display of force in that situation is okay. Further, I think people who are caught doing that should have minimum mandatory sentences. Their opportunist scumbags who are too short sited to see that they are destroying what their community is trying to achieve through peaceful demonstration.
I agree with you. There are situations where law enforcement would need that type of gear. The LA bank robbery shootout from the 90's comes to mind where the dudes were geared in body armor head to toe and rocking drum clips with fully automatic assault rifles. I think we're actually on the same page. I agree, when rioting/looting starts, the police need superior tools to do their job. I think showing up with that shit out of the gate and MOST ESPECIALLY aiming their fucking muzzles at unarmed demonstrators is completely un-fucking called for.
