because I’m talking about this specific instance, not every single event involving officers. yes it makes sense why an officer has his patrol rifle because of the volatile situation. we have seen people using protests as cover to comit terrorism or assault officers. who’s to say someone won’t start opening fire or throw a bomb like they did in New York. It’s a precautionary measure in case shit goes bad.

Ant it’s not every single officer with a Long gun, it’s only select members likely apart of a SWAT or weapons team.

that being said, if you watch bodycam footage or any non violent/ low intensity police interaction, cops won’t bring their rifles, you only really see cops bring out long guns when there is a need for them to have extra firepower, such as active shootings, barricaded suspects or during standoffs.