The question I’m asking is:

Why is there no time for a taser or pepper spray? Those should release just as quickly and easily as a firearm. Moreover, I’m rather confident I could take someone coming at me with a gardening tool, and I’m no police officer. Sure, don’t risk a physical altercation, though at what point did that situation warrant the use of a firearm?

And a taser holds little real risk for the officer firing it. Hell, even a gun can have issues.