[madprof98]

Nathan Phillips, a Native American man, approached the group of kids and beating a drum with the intention of diffusing the situation.

Two points:

(1)It is DE-FUSING, not "diffusing" (which means "spreading around"); and
(2) Defusing the situation seems to be the farthest thing from that wacko Indian's mind. He wanted exactly what he got, a great chance to get PR for his cause (fundraising for himself).

[Aut Pax Aut Bellum]

(1)It is DE-FUSING, not "diffusing" (which means "spreading around"); and (2) Defusing the situation seems to be the farthest thing from that wacko Indian's mind. He wanted exactly what he got, a great chance to get PR for his cause (fundraising for himself).
Diffusing was right. He wanted to fan the flames of the situation and insert himself into it, even though it initially did not involve him. He had no intent to defuse it, despite his lies stating so. He speaks with a forked tongue.