[matt1234]

But acting pre-emptively on what it 'looks like' somebody is going to do is illegal. At least...at the moment.

Do you think a secret service agent--when he sees a raised firearm--waits until the firearm is discharged before he takes action against the wouldbe shooter? No he does not. Guaranteed.

[Norseman]

Oh, now it’s rotten tomato=raised firearm.

Haven’t you got a howitzer analogy in your pocket somewhere too? Or maybe a heat-seeking missile?

[XenaLee]

Do you think a secret service agent--when he sees a raised firearm--waits until the firearm is discharged before he takes action against the wouldbe shooter? No he does not. Guaranteed.

Do you think comparing a government agent seeing a gun raised to a political rally opponent holding a tomato can be compared logically? Really?

Point is, the secret service agent is acting lawfully....the assaulter of the tomato-holder would not be. Hence Trump's offer to pay for the legal fees of anyone that assaults on his behalf.