Using physical force to settle disputes is rarely a good choice. Violating someone physically because you object to rude behavior can lead to serious consequences, as you pointed out.
Chaos can be dangerous to one's health. For that reason, I hope this person doesn't attempt to do that to your husband.
"When you fight fire with fire, all you get is a bigger blaze".
He didn't have the right to violate that person just because he was smoking a cigarette. If anyone grabbed at me, I, too, would have the notion of striking back. Must have been some wimp to let this person do this and get away with it.