[Banjoguy]

I don't agree with the use of the term standoff but of course what else would you expect from the Orlando 'Slantinel'.

IMO, the boy could have been disabled in other ways or otherwise isolated. I am sick of the 'trigger time' mentality of SWAT members. Three people have committed suicide by police since I have been here in Orlando. In all cases the police should have found a better way.

I know the public needs to be protected. Instead of colluding in a suicide, how about some alternative methods for dealing with self destructive people.

The whole thing is disgusting.

[Chanticleer]

What would you recommend? He was armed (as far as they knew) and had been threatening. They reportedly pleaded with him to drop it. But when he pointed a pistol at the SWAT Team member, what else should he have done?

I suppose they could have left him alone in the bathroom for a while to cool off -- surrounding it to keep the public safe. They might have tried to get his parents there, or a friend or pastor who might have been able to reason with him. But then, if he had killed himself, they'd be in trouble for leaving him alone. If he hurt someone else, again, they're in trouble.

It seems like the time to help this kid was when he threatened to blow up the bus. I wonder what sort of help he received. I hope he pulls through and gets help now.

[SVTCobra03]

"IMO, the boy could have been disabled in other ways or otherwise isolated. I am sick of the 'trigger time' mentality of SWAT members."

Well I am sick of monday-morning quarterbacks who second guess policemen who only have a split second to make life and death decisions. These people put thier lives on the line every day to keep us safe. If someone points a gun at you, you blow his ass away. End of story.

[oh8eleven]

how about some alternative methods for dealing with self destructive people.
Yeah, I'm with you dude. Like we could beat them senseless with a .... banjo.