you cannot point a firearm at someone it is a crime without just cause. You have to have just cause that is your life is in immediate danger. If you shoot someone it has to be in clear life or death situation. Could I have fire when the guy had a knife ... well yes but it would depend on how close ... if he was within striking range of her he could have killed her with it ... but where he was he posed an immediate threat that I stopped by drawing my weapon .. I didn't need to fire nor should I have. Had he been closer I would not have had a choice none. But I am very well trained and a former officer so I knew what I was doing ... I thank God everyone walked away including the bad guy