Maine’s top prosecutor says the fatal police shooting of a Waterville man last year was justified.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday the shooting that left 32-year-old Eric Porter dead was justified because the officer who shot him acted in defense of fellow officers.

Police responded to the Best Western in Waterville in February of 2021 following reports that Porter was armed with a knife and threatening others at the hotel.

An officer opened fire after Porter ran at him with a knife over his head.

The AG’s office said officers tried using “pepperball” launchers to stop Porter but they had no effect. A Taser also failed to stop him because he was wearing a thick jacket.