They adopted a tactical position to avoid any inference that after firing the first shot, Martin had followed the intruders before firing again.

BBC: Farmer's shot 'accurate or lucky'

This is occurring despite the recommendations of U.S. negotiators against preparing accords on strategic forces, conventional forces in Europe and chemical weapons under an artificial deadline and mounting evidence that the Soviet military is hardening its position in the arms talks to achieve tactical advantages under these circumstances.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Time For A ��Sanity Check��: Do Hasty US Concessions To Gorbachev Make Sense?