During all the BLM/Antifa mayhem last summer, my wife and I were doing our fitness walk in the mall. There was a short, little white lady walking in front of us. Our pace was such that we would be overtaking her in about 50 feet or so. Approaching us from ahead was a really fit, 20-something black guy with dreads. He appeared to be looking at his phone while walking, but he kept drifting toward and intercept course with the small lady. I told my wife to hang back while I moved forward. I timed it so that I would arrive by the lady just a moment before he did. I’m over 60, but I’m a big guy and I still teach Judo at martial arts club. I’m also CCW permit holder.

Right before the guy was about to intercept, he glanced up from his phone and saw me. He veered to the left suddenly and walked to the other side of the mall. I bent down, pretending to tie my shoe casually as my wife caught up. As we passed the lady a few minutes later and she thanked me. Apparently she was aware of the guy’s approach and was afraid, but she didn’t know what to do. I don’t know if the guy had bad intentions, but by being a little more “present,” I was able to deter what could have been a bad situation. That’s what we need to do, guys.