There was a full scale riot taking place and he found himself in the midst of it. Since a riot is considered Civil Unrest and danger to life and property is imminent all these other particulars of his age and the legality of the firearm have little bearing on his actions.
Originally Posted by Levianon17
Not necessarily so. "Found himself in the middle of it"?? Please. He knew full well that he was going into a place where conflict was likely... as did the parent who drove him there. Its like those of you who say that kids in cages is a direct result of their parents crossing the border. Both are true-- both could have avoided the issues had they not knowingly and willingly put themselves in that position. Its not like he was randomly there, realized he was in trouble, then grabbed a gun to defend himself. He was walking around with a weapon for the majority of the evening.
He's been charged as an adult-- which means he'll get his jury trial. He's also 17-- so even if they do manage to convict him.. death penalty isn't an option-- though I can't imagine anyone would think it would be.