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"It is a pity. It is truly amazing, that not only do you let someone take advantage of you. But then you defend your far from stellar actions."

I noticed the white object in his hand about 4 seconds before he left the cafe. I realize its a spray bottle and what he is doing with it just as he was leaving the cafe (when he sprayed in the direction of this guy who was sitting near the entrance of the cafe.) As soon as he leaves the room I follow him. He goes outside. I inform the security guard standing near the exit of what happened. Of course, I'm sure you would have handled all this so much better - kicked his ass, saved the girl and all that. Good for you.

"I'm not you enemy Avenger, look inward. That part of you that is feeling shame for not acting. It might hold the clue."

Thanks Yoda, I'll do that.

Having read your account, I am of the opinion that you and everyone else in the Barnes and Noble store have been assaulted. Whether or not you have been also battered remains to be seen. IF the contents of the spray bottle are or are not any kind of biologically active materials, the mere act of spraying it in your vicinity without your permission or knowlege is an assault. IF it is a toxic substance or YOU fear it may be toxic, and you have encountered it, you have been battered by that assault. If it IS toxic, and you develop an illness, you have been physically assaulted. If it isn't, but you are concerned that it might have been, you have been psychologically assaualted. The mere fact that you have posted the details, notified the security guard, etc., are prima facie evidence that you have at least been psychologically assaulted.

The above being stated, the event may have been a prank. There are some idiots out there who think it would be a kick to pretend to be spreading a biological terror agent... even if it is merely distilled water.

If it is NOT a prank, then it may be a mentally ill person... or someone doing a psychological test to SEE how people would react to such an effort... or it could be a dry run for terrorist attack (a new kind of suicide bomber only slower)... or it could actually HAVE been a "terrorist" attack... that is a new way to spread terror, i.e., making people change their attitudes and ways of living in reaction to threats. If we start hearing and seeing more of these potentially dangerous occurrences, we will be less likely to go out into the market, to visit Barnes and Noble, to shop for our groceries, to congregate freely and feel safe.