[Ricochet]

California is "not" an open carry state. In most states that are open carry, it is pistols "only", in California you can carry say a hunting rifle to and from your vehicle to your house, a gun range, etc.

Merely having an orange tip or the like on an airsoft gun, does not guarantee it is a toy. No officer anywhere is going to accept that, or should except that as there have been cases in the past where criminals have altered or painted firearms.

If the officer asked him to place the guns on the ground, and he was refused, ignored, given attitude, or the gun was shifted in even a mediocrely threatening manner, then his actions to "shoot to kill" were and are justified.

It is the parents that should be investigated.