I'm not going to say that what the guy did was right or wrong--we clearly don't even know the details. But, here's a philosophy: maybe our country would be in a bit better shape if some never-do-wells got perforated now and again--even if someone's life wasn't in danger. Yeah, even if it was just property they were going after. Our civilization is in a rough patch, and we won't let anyone do a thing about it. Like a bunch of crabs in a bucket, we drag the escaping crabs right back down.
In many practical ways, the rule of law has or is failing (if it ever truly existed). Whether they are in high or low positions, these types don't fear the law... But it has been shown they fear armed citizens more than the police--because policemen are expected to show at least a modicum of restraint. When thieves and other criminals have to make a critical decision (is this worth my life?), before doing their particular ill-deed... It might not be a bad thing.
More than anything, it would really suck for everyone involved for a bullet to clock an innocent bystander. And that's why you can't condone popping a couple shots off randomly. But nobody was hurt, and thank God for that--so why throw the book at him? To deter other people from doing the same, presumably. That is, after all, the purpose of the law, is it not?
Even if his good judgment lapsed (which hasn't been shown), maybe it's the other parties we should be throwing the book at, so their kind can be the ones facing the deterrent.
