Firing a "warning shot", despite the fact that the VP of the US recommended to the public, is a legally and defensively dangerous action. If an individual is faced with a threat that they reasonably believe to be a mortal threat to themselves or others, firing at anything or anyone other than their attackers undermines their position and claim to be "in mortal danger". Employing lethal force is a clear line and to attempt to use lethal force in a less-than-lethal manner indicates that the user did not consider lethal force to be completely necessary. Attorneys tear apart people who firing warning shots.