http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30596531

It's a vicious circle at this point.

Dear America,

I have two questions for you.

Do you not realise that your police have guns, and will use them if necessary?

Do you not stop to think that if you leave the house, whilst brandishing a firearm you might get all kinds of dead?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Warmest regards,

John.

PS. I am not anti-America. Far from it, but these questions need to be answered.

I have to say I tend to agree with you

From what information I've been able to piece together, the initial decision to shoot was far more reasonable than some of the recent cases. However, I've seen reports suggesting that the shot did not kill him immediately, and that he was alive for some 2 hours afterwards. At no point did the police call for medical assistance, and they also stopped any family members from getting to him during that 2 hour period. If those points can be verified, that's a whole different kettle of fish. Need to do more digging.