zlacker

It's the same thing as the whole "resisting arrest" paradox I've observed. People have base instincts (and I guess crowds/large-area population groups by some extension) that they just can't override. E.g. it's very difficult to lie still and be flaccid when you're being pinned, possible hit, have your hands twisted, put in a claustrophobic situation, etc to not try "fight back". Especially now when everyone just assumes that if you submit to police in such a situation that you will be choked out on hot asphalt and may never wake up.

It has already escalated for one reason or another, and it's hard for violence to de-escalate as it feeds each side until one decides to be "the loser". Only then can it subside or de-escalate. Right now, the police can't leave things be as they are in some places watching protests turn violent. Personally, I would hold them accountable if they didn't try to stop violent protestors and to disperse large crowds that start getting unruly or have the potential to. And that says nothing of the message or the grievances that the protestors may have.