First, I think that what and when the stunt was pulled by the defendant was a very poor choice. Legal, but stupid.
I think that the gov had to change him with something just to tie up some loose ends. The plea probably eliminates any false arrest litigation which would make the state look bad.
Secondly, it elimates any charges that could possibly be filed agianst the fire fighter who detained the defendant at gun point. It wouldn’t look good for the helper ‘hero’ to be charged with a felony. Third, it lets all the snowflakes and anti-gunners record the incident as a ‘gun crime’ to bolster the numbers.
Your second paragraph sums up the problem very neatly. NO crime, NO charge (EXCEPT the false arrest)!!
As for the other citizen, the fact he didn’t fire saves him. An apology for having done it is in order, as is the calm acceptance of said apology.