I think it is bad on a few different levels.
-Public perception, politics and legal battles all depend on public support without it is is a lost cause. I don't think this will gain any support only lose support.
-Protest survive because people are just using their constitutional rights riot goons look bad bashing peoples heads in because they were...? standing up for their rights, voicing concern over the government, blocking the sidewalk, obstructing traffic, People see others getting beat up for protesting and it just creates more support and protesters.
People toting guns do not look like poor protesters they look like warriors and a threat to some people, that does not evoke sympathy or support from the general masses.
- One of the most common tactics to squash protests is to have “agent provocateurs” create reasons to beat down the crowd. With guns involved..? that brings things to another level and changes the “rules of engagement”.
I am all for protesting for constitutional right but I think this is a very bad and dangerous tactic.