I still stand on firm on my opinion. Have somebody nail you with a stun gun from 10 feet away and see if you still think I'm crazy. Tell them to hold down the trigger and deliver the voltage for about 4 seconds. Then resist and have them shock you some more. See how far you get.
Check your facts. The guy was not violent until cops showed up. In fact, according to the witnesses that talked to the guy before he was shot, he was not even breaking any laws:
76-10-506. Threatening with or using dangerous weapon in fight or quarrel.
(1) As used in this section, "threatening manner" does not include:
(a) the possession of a dangerous weapon, whether visible or concealed, without additional behavior which is threatening; or
(b) informing another of the actor's possession of a deadly weapon in order to prevent what the actor reasonably perceives as a possible use of unlawful force by the other and the actor is not engaged in any activity described in Subsection 76-2-402(2)(a).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in Section 76-2-402 and for those persons described in Section 76-10-503, a person who, in the presence of two or more persons, draws or exhibits a dangerous weapon in an angry and threatening manner or unlawfully uses a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(3) This section does not apply to a person who, reasonably believing the action to be necessary in compliance with Section 76-2-402, with purpose to prevent another's use of unlawful force:
(a) threatens the use of a dangerous weapon; or
(b) draws or exhibits a dangerous weapon.
According to state law, he was in compliance because his intent while exhibiting the AR-15, in his mind, was to "protect" dignitaries in the hotel. If you disagree, find the law that makes standing outside a hotel with an AR-15 illegal.
76-1-105. Common law crimes abolished.
Common law crimes are abolished and no conduct is a crime unless made so by this code, other applicable statute or ordinance.
What evidence do police have that he was exhibiting a dangerous weapon in a threatening manner? He never threatened anyone. He was not even in violation of the law, yet, he was approached at gunpoint by police, and his military training kicked in. The resulting shootout was the consequence. Police had plenty of time to assess the situation and take appropriate action. The guy was just standing there not doing anything. Stupid; just plain stupid.
Kevin