The aggressor was a loud-mouthed bully in a very public place. I’ve dealt with these assholes since elementary school in the 70s. They’re cowards, one and all. Perhaps such behavior is more threatening to younger folks? I gather kids don’t get their ass beat on the regular in school any longer? In any case, I think I would have instantly known what I was looking at.
Also, seems the bully didn’t speak any “fighting words”, and that may be key. OTOH, Virginia holds no duty to retreat. Feels like thin legal ice for the shooter.
And no, I’m not giving him the chance to hit me. I’m hyper aware of my ability to draw. If I felt that option was about to be taken from me? Yeah, that almost certainly would have crossed the line.