no.
you see, it's called "doublespeak."
the cops were there FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PROVOKING VIOLENCE.
i mean, don't we have to say that is the case, if they are in this group of rioters/protesters undercover?
think about it for a second... there is a group of violent rioters/protesters, this cop went undercover/infiltrated this group. correct? therefore he was becoming, one of the rioters/protesters, that's the point of being undercover/unknown/anonymous isn't it?
you could also say, "hey are also placed there to observe and covertly identify people getting out of hand "
but isn't that exactly the same thing, with different spin?
it's like the illegal drug sting operations they used to use frequently... where the police post up on a corner in a ghetto and sell drugs to potential drug seekers...and then arrest the buyer for soliciting drugs....
or reverse prostitution stings...
if you dont see how that is actually provoking crime, i can't help you... i guess some people aren't capable of thinking from multiple perspectives.
and yes, brandishing a weapon is illegal as hell. that by itself is a crime, and a felony crime at that.