I believe it is very hard to judge the officer that put him down too harshly. Here are my reasons for feeling this way: 1. The circumstances of the attack. Th

I believe it is very hard to judge the officer that put him down too harshly. Here are my reasons for feeling this way: 1. The circumstances of the attack. The assailant was in a crowded public place and suddenly went berserk and attacking police officers with a deadly weapon and apparent intent to kill. Does not seem to be in a frame of mind to comply with an arrest in any way. The police were looking for him because of three previous attacks against pedestrians. He was believed to be mentally unstable. 2. He saw his partner struck in the head with a hammer, and I don't believe he had cause for confidence she could support him in a physical takedown. 3. If the officer closed to take him down by hand, and the assailant struck the officer with the hammer, he could be put out of commission and then the assailant would potentially have a pistol to use in a crowded street. Police rarely approach a person still armed or still having the intent to attack. They need control of the situation before doing so. 4. The officer did not continue firing after the assailant went down. The man lived.