I don't think there was a victim... I think you had two groups filled with so much hatred for one another, that neither one was going to be able to maintain civility. That's entirely on those individuals. Anytime you have protesters and counter-protesters within rock-throwing distance of one another, it's a recipe for disaster.
As to who threw the first punch, well that's anyone's guess. But the Antifa showed up, spoiling for a fight and they got one, big surprise. Hell, they came in with helmets and bats for Christ's sake. What did they think was going to happen? Well, I'll tell you... Exactly what they were hoping would happen.
But saying to someone; "I'm want to kill you." is not the same thing as actually killing you, or making an overt attempt to do so. You can't convict someone of a crime until they actually commit one. BUT understand what I am saying, and don't read into it. Being taunted into violence does not absolve you of responsibility for your violence, but pretending the taunting didn't happen or doesn't matter is both dishonest and disingenuous.
I'm trying to remain objective and rational here. I'm trying not to convict anyone solely on the basis of their egregious philosophy, because merely having an egregious philosophy is not a crime. I'm trying to separate things that are Constitutionally protected from things that are not. I am trying to differentiate bad actions from bad people. And I'm trying to keep my own personal bias out of the discussion. I guess expecting everyone else to do the same thing is just not realistic.
