Well the fact that you called a member of the law enforcement community a coward without actually being on the scene might have something to do with it. BTW you never addressed the issue of people not being a thread until they actually snap and go over the edge.
Not that I was actually expecting you to. Perhaps if you don't like the term armchair Rambo, you might like Monday morning quarterback better. As me I am waiting for all the evidence to be in.
@verga That kid had already snapped in his own way. I can assure you that, when the cops arrived, he was already in a threatening posture and the cops had already assumed a defensive posture. (The surrounding kids, not so much. I guess they didn't quite feel threatened by this kid's antics.)
So let's think about this for a second, shall we?
I'm the cop. I arrive with my partner on scene where a scrawny kid is dancing around with a couple of knives like a Darth Maul wannabe, but doing so in such a spastic manner that other kids are circled about to watch and maybe even taunt him a bit.
Step one, as we are walking/running up: "Joe, draw your firearm just in case. I'm getting out my taser. Let me deploy first."
Step two, with a command voice: "Any kid that isn't in that parking lot (way) *over there* in the next 20 seconds will get arrested after this is over. MOVE! Teachers - get these kids out of here, now."
Step three, in a calm voice: "Hey kid, whatever you doing isn't worth it. Tell me what's wrong."
If he's talking there is probably no need to go beyond step three. We could talk for hours
Step four, if I can't get him talking: Tase.
Step five, if the taser doesn't work: Physical subdual if I think I can get away with it.
Step six, only if there is an *immediate* threat of bodily harm: Shoot.
Shooting is the last resort.