For more perspective.

Colombia's national homicide rate is 25.4 per 100,000 most cities across the country Medellin, Bogata, etc hover around the national average. The homicide rate in Cali hovers around 50 per 100,000.

For Americans. This means most cities are less dangerous than Detroit. Cali is more dangerous than Detroit and is comparable to St Louis.

Different is the streets of Cali aren't just filled with protesters and rioters. They also have a number of far left and far right paramilitary organizations.

So yes police are shooting people and using excessive force. But if the cops weren't there, as you said the people would be shooting each other and using force against one and other just the same.

There's an American in Cali right now vlogging. Well worth watching if you want to learn what's going on on the city as a foreigner and the perspectives locals give him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0k7zO0nt4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezphO1C-0ZA