I won’t refute that in the least. But carrying most likely wouldn’t prevent these kinds of attacks. These disgusting vermin walk up behind people unawares and blindside them with their hardest punch.
By the time the victim, or even people around them who would intervene, are aware of the attack, the damage is done.
Most criminal assaults are sneaky, and many have defended themselves against such attacks. If attacked, you must be trained, aware in advance and faster. Move the head, pull and fire (”all same time,” as a Mr. Lee once taught police and civilians). Do more training. Never stop training.
Another tip for training. Watching the hands of an attacker, one can begin to react after about 2/5 of a second on average if well trained. Watching the eyes, one can begin to react before the attacker begins the attack. It’s something that fighters learn about “telegraphing.”
And get self-defense insurance. There’s much more to self-defense than carrying a weapon.