While investigating an armed robbery on Wednesday, September 15, Ohio police officer Brian Mason was chasing a young suspect when the 13-year old pulled a BB gun from his waist and pointed it at the officer. In defense to the suggestive gun that looked almost identical to those used by legally armed officers, the policeman shot the teen once, wounding and later killing the boy.

“The cop had to do what the cop needed to do,” senior Michael Maloney said. “Cops are trained if there is any thought of a gun, they need to protect to keep others from getting hurt…he had to ensure safety.”

The Columbus police entered the scene after an urgent 911 caller explained the robbery committed by three, unknown males in a nearby neighborhood. The officers followed the confirmed suspects to an alley where they attempted to take them in for questioning. However, the sudden action of a raised gun by Tyre King caused officer Mason to shoot in defense of what appeared to be a dangerous situation.

“From the officer’s perspective, this child did pull a gun, which can be easily mistaken for a real gun in the very short time an officer has to react,” senior Brandon Belott.

13-year old King died later that night, upsetting many within the community and country. Just two years after a similar incident in which a Cleveland officer killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice, the recent death rekindled opposition towards the force of police along with Black Lives Matter protesting, opening up more questions on the gun laws of the United States.

“We as a community need to come to grips with the fact that with such easy access to guns — whether they’re firearms or replicas — there’s something wrong with this country,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said “and it’s bringing this epidemic to our city streets.”