I feel the public is ignoring one side of the graduate student shooting incident, probably because it is easier to identify with the student and not with the police officers. People say things like “I feel like this could happen to me,” or “This should have been handled by mental health professionals,” without really thinking about the situation.
Yes, this could happen to any student on campus who sends insane messages, screams and breaks windows, ignores being repeatedly shot with everything from Tasers to military rifles and charges police officers with a club. Of course, a few words from a social worker would instantly get through to someone so far-out they’re able to ignore point-blank rubber buckshot. And, most importantly, when you’re a police officer and someone charges at you with a weapon you should drop your rifle and fight them unarmed because you’d rather die yourself than shoot the attacker.
