Does basic gun safety in a crowed theater mean anything to you? He was in a theater, not a crime scene, battlefield, nor firefight. There are times to have a shell loaded, and frankly a crowded theater isn't one of them.
Do you have any idea how many of those in a "crowded theater" are packing heat and yet with no incidents?
You take one rare instance of a potential accidental firing and you want to condemn the ten of thousands of cops who are in crowded situations all the time with a chambered round?
Get over your hatred for cops. Apparently, you've had a few run-ins with the Law.
Says who?
What about having a round chambered in a crowded school, church, restaurant, or subway? There have been PLENTY of shootings in each. Would you like for some lunatic to get a few extra shots off while you chamber a round?
I have always carried my gun decocked with a round in the chamber. It is a perfectly safe way to carry.
You're clueless about guns and self defense.
For starters, if I thought it was "time to have a shell loaded", I would either avoid the situation or have my rifle with me.
Also, a "theater" can change into a "crime scene" in less time than even the most expert gun handler can chamber a round. Therefore, folks should ALWAYS carry with one in the pipe once they have become proficient with the weapon.