Under what circumstance may the use of a firearm be justified?

The use of a firearm may be justified in situations where there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm. In this context, when a suspect physically attacks you with a knife, the situation presents a clear and immediate danger that justifies the use of a firearm for self-defense. The principle behind this justification is rooted in the necessity to protect oneself from life-threatening harm. The presence of a weapon, such as a knife, in an attack elevates the threat level and creates a situation where the use of lethal force may be deemed necessary to safeguard one’s own life or the lives of others.

In contrast, fleeing suspects, verbal confrontations, or threats that do not escalate do not typically reach the threshold of immediate danger that would justify the use of a firearm. These scenarios involve potential risks but do not present the same level of immediate and lethal threat as a physical attack with a knife, where self-defense becomes a critical consideration.