He chose...poorly.

"The pen may be mightier than the sword, but it's no match for a gun."

"Caught On Tape: Chaos In The Courtroom"

Someone in the courtroom goes nuts, charges at the prosecutor or judge, even totally unarmed they are very frightening.

So it's not surprising the marshal shot the guy who had a pen and was willing to stab anyone with it.

The cop could have just winged him. Then the trial could take place.

I understand the need to apply lethal force at times. But this seems like a situation where a taser would have been more appropriate.

Yep, I know a pencil can be as deadly as a knife. But a taser can stop most people as effectively as a bullet can. And if the taser fails, then go to the gun. I guess what I'm saying is this: I wish cops would stop seeing a gun as the first option.

Oh, and one more thing. Part of the blame for this mess goes to progressives. Because progressive lawyers pretty much forced cops to quit using the baton. Sure, many cops misused the baton. But a baton would have been the go-to weapon here. I'll bet the marshal didn't even have one.

and how his estate will be charged for the toxic clean up of 8 lead bullets.

Just do a google search and you will see.

and how your logic might be applied by armed teachers in our schools.

Where the HELL has common sense disappeared to?