Not disputing the effectiveness or access regarding guns, but a significant portion of altercations at protests are cqc. Tides can change quickly in these situations, especially with mobs and the chaos they bring. Knowing how to handle yourself in these situations isn't entirely useless.
Either way, the fact they appear to be increasingly committed and organized around inflicting violence is a pretty clear signal on future intent. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, I suppose.
woosh