Outsider:  You accuse "Ward 1 of SANCTIONING "this killing.  That's a misuse of the term and radically changes the meaning associated with Ward 1's comment. Please read this definition:

authoritative permission or approval, as for an action.
2. something that serves to support an action, condition, etc.
3. something that gives binding force, as to an oath, rule of conduct, etc.

"Sanctioning" occurs BEFORE the action.  It gives 'prior' approval to the action.  In this case it would be saying "go ahead and kill Finicum."  To my knowledge, no one...no State Police Official, no FBI official, and certainly not Ward 1, provided such sanction.  I think Ward 1 accepted the evidence and testimony supporting that the shooting of Mr. Finicum was justified.....a decision made "after" the shooting.

I trust you see the difference.   thanks, Gary