It is the protesters fault. The End.
The candidate is responsible to not create an environment where when these thugs show up, the supporters want to beat the crap out of them based on previous statements by the candidate.
I have been involved in many pro life demonstrations where I have had to keep my cool under much duress.
Then they see these thugs show up.
In their minds both are at fault. Not saying I agree.
Can you imagine if these guys had done this at a Carson rally? Carson would have probably got every vote in the country.
Again I am NOT siding with the protesters I am trying to raise the level of the candidates behavior.