If he really intended to run people over, he could have started accelerating a lot sooner. He only started accelerating after the back of his car was hit.
He likely panicked when his car was struck. He probably didn’t know what it was being struck with an was nervous because he felt trapped in a mob.
That being said, panicking to that extent was unwarranted. And you don’t run people over. This guy was obviously not very bright.
And you don’t run people over.
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Normally you don’t, but haven’t some states recently passed laws saying you aren’t legally liable if you hit protesters on the road?