Under what circumstance can an officer shoot into a building?

Shooting into a building is a highly regulated action that involves careful consideration of the context and potential consequences. The correct answer revolves around the necessity of addressing an imminent threat to life, which is the case when there is an active shooter inside the building. This scenario typically poses an immediate risk not only to potential victims within the location but could also endanger other individuals nearby.

In this context, the justification for discharging a firearm into a building stems from the urgent need to neutralize a direct threat to life. Law enforcement personnel are trained to assess situations where the potential for loss of life is significant and act accordingly within the confines of their training and departmental policies.

The other options do not provide a justifiable reason under the same level of immediacy or threat. For example, shooting at a fleeing suspect does not necessarily address a current life-threatening situation within the building. Similarly, responding to a silent alarm or potential danger without confirmation of immediate life threats may not meet the legal or ethical justification required for such a serious action. Thus, the presence of an active shooter is the only scenario listed that aligns with the need to protect lives urgently and justifiably.