That's not much of a defense. I can think of a lot of dangerous things kids do that would engender the same reaction.
That's why God created parents. These parents should have known better.
From the article:
“My mom ran over to me, put her hand on my shoulder, and calmed me down. Then she went up to them and said, “HOW DARE YOU ATTACK A CHILD LIKE THAT!” While she was yelling, pro-lifers came over to me to calm me down. My whole body was shaking.”
That’s it!