I can't see how a bloodied cop's face wasn't known within minutes. I understand many facts were not known on the first day, but this is not one of them. A policeman being attacked potentially would have been one of the first facts reported on a call about the situation, and if not it would have been immediately clear the moment others arrived on the scene. He clearly needed immediate medical care.
I understand there is no rational thought behind the rioters and looters, but to the community as a whole and the nation, this information should have been out within 24 hours as a key piece of information. As I mentioned, I have solidly conservative friends who 4 days ago were convinced this was a cop gone bad shooting an unarmed kid. There are millions who still have no idea the police was assaulted by the guy. The narrative is hard to change.
I think this was the exact right way to go. Whoever was managing this for the police perhaps took a measured gamble knowing the media was going to over react and the race baiters were going to be there regardless. The media and their minions shot their wad for all to see and now when the facts are solidly in the police are deconstructing everything that has been said. I for one commend the police for making sure they had the facts absolutely straight. If their facts had been shaky they would have been torn to pieces. Even if the officers face had been bloodied in this explosive environment I can see the upper management dispatching reliable lieutenants to go and make absolutely sure what the facts were. that would be looking at the medical reports and talking to doctors and witnesses and that simply takes time.
Right now it looks like the police has the upper hand solidly and that is because they did their homework. As far as your friends thinking the officers was rogue that was what they were supposed to think according to the media story line. Now that the facts are solid, everyone is thinking they were wrong to think that. The officer was a total pro. As I said the police handled thismasterfully.