It’s a good thing for him that he didn’t. The video showed that the Patriot defended himself, and then “broke contact,” which speaks to his defense if someone demands prosecution. After defending himself, he did not continue engaging someone else in a fight. Had he punched the girl, he would have diminished a claim of self defense.
You are right. She did not appear to be a real threat to his safety for him to defend himself against her.
But she could be charged with battery for her intentionally pushing him as he was withdrawing, as well as when she then attempted kick him as he retrieved the baton.
Give that guy a lot of credit for being so smart.
Wrong. She advanced while he was retreating. She has a perceived threat. Anybody inside 25 feet that shows the Ford advance is a threat.