In the mind of the 12 year old, he may have been playing. I don't see it that way at all. Pointing a toy gun modified to look like a real one isn't playing. Disobeying the police when ordered to show your hands isn't playing. Grabbing for a real looking toy gun in your waistband while disobeying the police is not playing. I see this as a good shoot by the police as long as the facts we've been presented are accurate. It is sad that a 12 year old is dead due to this,but I dont see it justifying the protesting or rioting more than Ferguson.
i knew better than to point a gun at someone when i was five. this is a parenting issue pure and simple. people need to teach their kids firearms are serious business. bb gun or not i would have had my ass beat black and blue for even looking like i was going to point it at someone. my mom and dad didn't whip me often, the only times i remember getting whipped were over gun safety