2cents: a moderator should not halt a discussion in a community even if it is heated and there are CoC violations. If there are, it should only mute/freeze the people not following CoC.

When you force-halt a discussion you are killing momentum which is essential to get things done. And, by the way, you are exerting chilling effect.

This tactic has been used by politician since a loooong time, so think twice before doing it in your community.