“However, the PROVABLE fact is, the option the cops DID choose DID NOT result in physical harm to ANYONE. Given that indisputable fact, I fail to understand why they did the wrong thing.”
You fail to see why opening fire one someone who doesn’t represent a risk is a problem?
That’s right; I fail to see how the actions the cops engaged, the results of which we KNOW, represent higher risk than the actions you recommended, which actions have unknown but indisputably high risk.
Maybe you should look up the definition of risk. Hint: after the fact, when the outcome is KNOWN, there IS none.
Put another way — a) it was said they shot at the tires and b) no one was injured by gunfire. These are FACTS. Therefore, maybe instead of pumping round after round of gunfire INTO the van — as you suggest — maybe the cops really DID shoot only at the tires — apparently, skillfully and successfully. I have fact based evidence of this. You have only conjecture on your side.
What’s more, only an idiot or a hyperpartisan with an agenda would deny that hitting a tire-flattening strip in a loaded van at high speed does NOT constitute a serious risk to the physical well-being of its occupants, and of those nearby.
You think those kids were all buckled in by a loving, caring mom?