Thanks for sharing the video.
Ripping up or burning paper handed out is freedom of speech, too. I’ve done that - I’ve ripped up paper handed to me.
But when the group is attacked physically, hit with a bottle, peppered with spray of any kind, or their signs are ripped, or people yell obscenities at them - those are real attacks. I don’t know how they have the coolheadedness to stand there and not hit back. I’m a woman, and I can’t picture myself not hitting the attacker over the head with the sign I’m carrying.
A straight on jab with the signpole is more effective, harder to block (for the untrained) or duck. Since mace or pepper spray are illegal here in New Jersey, I'd consider a small windex type bottle filled with ammonia, adjusted to stream instead of spray to discourage physical assault. You cleaned your car windows, and it was still in your pocket...and clean your windows, so you won't be lying!