I disagree that the threat is ended just because the goblins are headed for the door. If the guy still has a gun (he dropped it, but Williams may not have seen that) he can shoot while running away. And while his partner had a bat, he might also have a gun.
Under the circumstances, I think the shot fired at the door was understandable. You have two guys doing a lot of moving around, and you don't know if they're scrambling to their feet to run away or to return fire, especially if they turn while getting to their feet.
And if you hold your fire and you are wrong, they could kill you. I'm not giving them that courtesy when they started it.
You are correct. And, furthermore, we need to get over the guilt of some guy getting shot or dying during the commission of a violent crime. Perps need to know that people are armed and willing to defend themselves and others. Don’t come in to a place with a weapon and try to rob people. If you get shot, tough.
It is not the responsibility of government to provide perps with a safe environment in which to prey on other people.
I didn’t see much about Williams escalating things on that thread. Don’t disagree with your comments, you’re right about the risk about not firing on someone armed in flight, he can turn quickly and effectively. And that action could place you in legal jeopardy in many states. Probably better to keep comments on the other thread there. I might not have fired while they fled, but I don’t have any problems with your assessment of the situation or Williams.