Plastic pellets. Airsoft. Might do damage to an eye on a close enough shot but no where near enough force to penetrate a skull at any range.
That breaks two California laws right there.
"Laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding..." "Shall not be infringed".
In 10 seconds, several someones screaming at you will cause you to turn around to see what all the fuss is about. Seeing REAL guns pointed at you will give you an "oh sh*t" moment and cause you to freeze.
Getting riddled with very real bullets for carrying a toy only shows how far off base our "law enforcement" has fallen.
Airsoft.
No one in my generation has ever heard of Airsoft, unless they have grandchildren who shoot them, and I don't.
When I read “pellet gun” I thought of the pellet gun I owned in the 1960’s, which could definitely penetrate your skull.
Kids actually got killed in those days with pellet guns.
Problem Two.....
Being screamed at.
I think 13 year old kids who live in an area with Hispanic gangs are a lot more savvy than you suggest.
Every 13 year old in the country watches Cop reality shows.
Every 13 year old in the country notices a Cop car.
This young man lived in an area were he personally witnessed Police activity on a routine basis.
He was wearing a hoodie, which concealed his age.
He was carrying a weapon in a public area that, to me, looked completely authentic.
I'm sorry he's dead, but his actions were highly provocative.
I simply don't see how the Police are at fault here.