I know the dude had a knife at all but was the gun necessary? Do tasers get used often in the USA compared to the UK??

California, Orange country

bodycam video shows California Police shooting a man who charged at them with a knife. The incident occurred on February 10 in a Lake Forest neighborhood of Orange County. Police responded to a 911 call about a possibly intoxicated male crashing into nearby vehicles. Upon arrival, the suspect, 23-year old Hunter Tice, locked himself in his vehicle with a knife pointed at himself. After a three hour standoff, Tice stepped out of the vehicle and charged at police with the knife in hand. More than one officer fired, hitting him multiple times. Medical aid was given on scene by both deputies and Orange County Fire Authority paramedics.