I hate to re-iterate rule #1, but in Texas never bring a knife to a gun fight. The guy with the knife usually loses unless he is swift of hand or foot and/or the other guy is slow or a terrible shot.
This incident was a split second decision and an unplanned commitment by both parties. Once the machete swinging starts and blood is drawn, you can’t say hold my gun while I get out my taser. Sadly, this guy was trying to kill them at the point he was killed. And don’t say they should have shot to wound him. They’re not trained to wound an assailant. Of course, not being there, it’s only my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Obviously, the events prior to this confrontation are in question and should be reviewed to prevent future confrontations from escalating to this point. But once blood is drawn, its survival of the strongest. Not very civilized, but it happens.
I wonder how Barney Fife would have handled this incident?
When he started swinging a machete, why couldn’t the cops just back away instead of firing? Unless he was charging them I don’t see the need for deadly force.