Police using other citizens as shields is a horrible look.
I didn't see that happen. I did see them using the vehicles for cover. If I am in a situation where I am going to have to try to take out someone shooting at me or others and my choices are standing in the open or using the nearest vehicle, I am going to use the nearest vehicle. For me it would be reflexive.
So if a car is full of innocent folks you call it the car you are using and no longer the people inside it?
You don't have a valid argument there...
I am drawing a distinction between a person as a shield and a person in a vehicle being used as cover. There is a difference. Granted, I don't like either one. I can see myself reflexively using the occupied car. I would never use a person as cover and it's not because they make lousy cover.