I have a real problem with "don't draw unless you're ready to shoot." I understand being mentally prepared for the possibility, but the vast majority of DGUs end with no shots fired. We must be in the mindset that it may be necessary to fire, not that drawing starts an inevitable chain reaction ending in blood.

I didn't see it as "ready" to shoot, but as "willing"- I might draw my weapon not wanting to shoot someone, hoping not to have to shoot someone, but willing to do so if that is the only level of force which will stop the attack. Given that, I don't think we have an inevitable chain reaction, but a series of steps, however small and however instantaneously we may move from one to the next.

I have a real problem with "don't draw unless you're ready to shoot." I understand being mentally prepared for the possibility, but the vast majority of DGUs end with no shots fired. We must be in the mindset that it may be necessary to fire, not that drawing starts an inevitable chain reaction ending in blood.

We were walking through the skyway system in Minneapolis, near St. Olaf's (maybe I can zero in the location tomorrow). I was fairly aware of our surroundings, but we were also engaged in conversation. I had noticed the man in a blue jacket standing up ahead in the street-overpass, but he seemed to be talking on his cell phone. As we entered this particular overpass, he stepped towards the middle with his hand inside his jacket and loudly commanded, "Don't Move!" It is worth noting that this was the moment I realized that no one else was within sight and he had glass and a brick wall behind him.

At this point I quickly scraped aside my coat and sweater and acquired a firm grip on my handgun (IWB - 3 o'clock), as I said "What!?!" I doubt he could actually see the gun. While reaching for my gun, I thrust my weak arm out in a 'halt' sign. I don't know exactly how everything happened so quickly, but it was just as I practice.

He seemed very surprised at the resistance and quickly said, "Naw, it's cool, it's cool." This attitude change, his eyes, and his quick turn to run made it obvious that he knew exactly what I had my hand on and this was not his 'first time.'

IANAL, however . . .. I disagree with the premise of the question. It disregards the possibilty of retreat, when alking in the skyway, there is always an opportunity to go forward or back the way you came. The gun can be re holstered once a safe distance is achieved from the threat. Until the threat isn't a threat . . . there is no difference in the situation than when you'd first drawn. (Just because the BG didn't have anything in the jacket pocket doesn't mean the BG isn't carring IWB same as you) It isn't your job to assume one way or the other, it is your job to safely extract yourselves if you can and to use force if you have to.

he stepped towards the middle with his hand inside his jacket and loudly commanded, "Don't Move!"

If reasonable force (in the form of a drawn weapon pointed at the ground) was being used to prevent an attack, could continued aggression (running towards the gun) suggest that they intend to inflict great bodily harm or death?

YES.