They have a duty to be there. Running away and hiding is proof of dereliction of duty. Cowards all.
“Courage” and a foolish defiance are often confused in the minds of those for whom critical thinking is difficult or does not even exist.
Stepping into a lion’s den falls into this category. Some 95% of all human woes are self-induced. Running away from an examination in a college classroom sort of a similar situation. Failure to appear is basis for a failing grade.