Uninformed and disinterested people are a very useful demographic to those in power. It’s also notable that even when they encounter information regarding important events, they won’t be aware of what actions they can take in response to it. Not being informed on important events and their progression also impacts how they perceive those who are taking action to change or influence those events. This can easily lead to the perception of justified responses being excessive or alarmist.

It’s worth noting that there was an instance of a hit and run driver injuring a protestor, but this sort of violence is hardly what is implied by the ABC reporter’s statement. Of course, this is all on top of the unprovoked use of force by the feds.