Hmmm, I find it hard to believe I said 'fuckwad' anywhere in this thread, but I'll take your word.
Here's another problem with the cop - And I'm even going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he went to managment, the sound was turned down & then back up, so he felt he had to do something...You're going to rush the stage (why, I have no idea) through a crowd of young people that have been drinking. You should probably call for backup instead of playing John Rambo. Even if he didn't make the first physical contact (he says vs. he says on this one) he is still risking alot of problems with a crowd that has been served alcohol (or even hasnt, as it is a crowd nonetheless & no one can say what they may have ingested prior to the show). Why not call & then wait for backup (if he did go to the soundboard/management once more, it didnt work, and he really felt he had to confront the band directly)? The only reason I can think of is that he was incredibly irrational to the point of appearing highly medicated. His behavior and mannerism (the second video on youtube has some good closeups of the cop's face and upper body during all this) are suspect at best. The videos DO show the cop acting alot more guilty (though the clear footage is minimal) than ANY of the audience. This would be a case of he said vs. they said, and They have several eyewitnesses and at least two videos. They also say that more videos are forthcoming.
From the accounts of those arrested, they were not given their Rights. Period. But time will have to tell on that.
The 14 year old is a guranteed lawsuit. There will probably be at least a half dozen others.