Earl – you need to read the case law on “open doorway” situations. And also “hot pursuit” cases. And the cases on actions taken “incident to arrest.” And also the cases on “threat to an officer.” Then give us your 4th amendment thoughts.
Since 2 of the 3 officers involved have been reinstated without any legal consequences after a very public videotaped incident, it would seem that your view didn’t hold water legally. TBD what happens to officer #3.
Kids really shouldn’t aggressively play the “I know my rights” game unless (i) they actually correctly know what their rights are, and (ii) they are sober. 0 for 2.
The legally smart thing to do would have been to not open the door. But they did. That’s a mistake on them. And opening the door completely changes their legal rights, which they did not understand (but the cop did).
The other smart thing to have done would be to step outside and close the door behind them. They didn’t do that either.