Four seconds from warning to fatal shots

Seattle police Officer Ian Birk fired five gunshots at woodcarver John T. Williams four seconds after issuing the first of three rapid commands to put down a knife he was carrying, according to newly filed court documents related to the Aug. 30 shooting.

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Witnesses say Williams barely had time to turn around before being shot five times in the chest. Birk first said that Williams was carving up a piece of wood; that doesn't seem to threatening to me. Later he said he was threatened. Union rep coaching no doubt. All in all,  a Taser would have been a better choice in this situation.