This is why brought in the war time analogy. When your trying to bring about peace, and really at this point that's what we're trying to do to calm everyone down, some compromises have to be made. I mean, there is what's good for the individual, and what's good for the community as a whole. I'm not saying that we should try a person who isn't guilty, but if "pardoning" a man brings about a little stability and peace to the community, and prevents the loss of another life, then I think it's worth it. Nothing is gained by prosecuting the man at this point. Now if he were actively continuing in the provocation, then I'd be with you. To me it's not a race thing, it's about what is going to calm things down in that area.
And your analogy by the way is problematic to begin with because the KKK is an organization with a leader and structure to it. We're talking about a mob here, with no clear leadership, otherwise police would probably be targeting them. On the other hand, if the member of the KKK did something, you can reasonably assume that there was an order given unless said leader comes out and offers up the one's who were responsible. So the difference?