Yeah that was my point. He needed to take some action, not back off.
As to the SS snipers, this is in the USA not in a war zone. They need a green light from their commander or a clear and obvious threat to shoot. If the man on the roof was unarmed and they killed him, not only would the sniper's career be over but he might also end up in prison. Once gunshots were fired, they could shoot him without fear of reprisal.
*MySmiley*
"Bustin' makes me feel good!"
Ghostbusters, by Ray Parker Jr.