Not again.

[tankjockey]

Unfortunate event that may fuel the anti-Airsoft fire.
http://oork.com/qlvul

[SteevoLS]

Looks like natural selection at work. Either that, or this kid wanted to commit suicide by cops. The officers did the right thing, but as you said it will probably help fan the flames. Given the proximity to Mexico and the hispanic descent of the "victim", I would not be at all surprised to see the officers vilified and the boy set up as a martyr.

[Avenger]

Well, it wan't specified as "airsoft", so maybe, just maybe, we'll be left out of the picture.

[Vesper]

The police officers will put themselves in the line of danger, so you don't have to. That doesn't mean that they will not defend themselves.

This 8th grader was obviously not bright enough to drop his said weapon when he was instructed to do so, and events such as this involving firearms is not taken lightly by the law enforcement. The kid got exactly what he asked for.

[dftrent12]

The thing is you could have almost anything that can cause harm, even like a thumb tack, and if your brandishing it at a police officer, not obeying them puts them in danger. When they are in danger they have every right to use lethal force. So the bottom line is do what the police say or face the consciences. What this kid was stupid and as Steven said, it was natural selection at work.

[Romba]

At least they say it's a "pellet gun." He had something that looks like a handgun, and wouldn't put it down. Anyone would do what the officers did if they were in the same position.

[idiot88]

This article mentions the airsoft gun color issue.
http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c1 ... 5a8a6af2bf