The death of Korryn Gaines could have been avoided, but her death was the result of choices only she could make. Pointing a weapon at the police and the threatening to kill them was all the justification they needed to shoot ("Baltimore County police continue to withhold name of officer who fatally shot Korryn Gaines," Aug. 8).
However, in an attempt not to have to use their weapons they retreated and over several hours tried to reason with her. Every opportunity was used to settle this without force, but she was not willing to surrender her gun. Her attitude toward police during a traffic stop earlier this year was another example of her mindset.
The police are there to protect us, not to be shot. Ms. Gaines was responsible for her own death.
Arthur Shefrin, Pikesville