[TChris]

Yes, there's plenty of room to imagine what the perp MIGHT have done, eventually. But the point is that the he had not yet exhibited any violence, unless you count the break-in itself as "violence."

Going through various possibilities, along with what he has done in the past still doesn't lead to the way the word "violent" was used in the article, in reference to this crime.

I'm not defending the perp, just pointing out the author's convoluted usage. I agree that the shooting was justified.

[Jen]

What if the perp was pointing a gun at the homeowner, but hadn’t shot yet? Would you classify the burglar as “violent?”

I would classify someone breaking into my house at night possessing something that could be used as a weapon (fire extinguisher, knife, gun, candlestick, golf club...) as an act of violence. To be met with a loaded shotgun and handgun as a backup.