novus collectus
Moderator
What about the bystanders. If a women has her 4 year old kid with her and is close to you, then shooting the woman with the knife may also permanently damage the hearing of the girl. Someone standing on the other side of the knife wielding women may not know to remove himself from the line of fire because something was not yelled to warn them. Since it was a mall, how about the propane tanks on sale that are behind the knife wielder?
Sure, if the person had a gun, then the proper thing to do is to shoot. But when it is a knife or a baseball bat, then when is prudence required to protect the safety of others from your reactions versus the borderline immediate threat that may be handled without a discharge? (when I say "borderline immediate threat" I mean the difference of having a split second to react compared to a few seconds).
I am not trying to make a statement, but these are honest questions from one who has no training or experience.
Sure, if the person had a gun, then the proper thing to do is to shoot. But when it is a knife or a baseball bat, then when is prudence required to protect the safety of others from your reactions versus the borderline immediate threat that may be handled without a discharge? (when I say "borderline immediate threat" I mean the difference of having a split second to react compared to a few seconds).
I am not trying to make a statement, but these are honest questions from one who has no training or experience.