I am not completely convinced of Orlando PD’s culpability yet, but I must admit that the evidence increasingly indicates an utterly inadequate initial response.
Your statement sounds an awful lot like this quote from someone else..... “I don’t know all the facts, but it appears the police acted stupidly.”
As someone who says they have been there, you should know better. You should also know and understand that the public story and narrative rarely capture the dynamic incident you just lived. Everyone has the right answer - every time - after the overall scenario parameters are known..... except those on scene in the live scenario, but you should know that given your pedigree shouldn’t you?
Jihad Johnny said he was wearing an explosives vest and that kind of changes things (especially in an smaller enclosed room) that would amplify damage to hostages. On top of that, I am not sure how much more damage he did after he barricaded himself in the bathroom. I had previously heard it was not much nor did he shoot much after the initial officer(s) drove him in there. The radio traffic said they were not hearing gunfire while they maintained cover on the bathroom and the negotiator was talking off and on. Gunfire is over and explosives present with unsub(s) = much different problem.
I am sure in hindsight that lessons will be learned and passed on. Why don’t you read the words of the SWAT commander on scene (link below)..... Does not sound like they sat around as people died to me, but that is the beauty of being the Monday Morning QB isn’t it? Every pass is perfect and scores a touchdown from the comfort of your recliner. You don’t have the warzone to cope with or the constant barrage of questions and pressure.....
I am 100% sure they made some mistakes. I am 100% sure they will scrutinize themselves and learn from those and pass on the lessons. I am 100% sure your team would have made some mistakes also. The truth will come out, but it will NEVER represent the picture they faced in the moment.
If thats the guys official story, that SWAT team response sounds like a clusterfuck.
I’m 100% sure that if officers back off at the sign of danger, in this case a possible explosive device, they will never save anyone. Officers put themselves in danger as a matter of their daily responsibilities. Do you work for a Florida law enforcement organization? You sound like the public info person for a local dept there.