1. we are safer in the streets resisting this than sitting at home awaiting death
2. see my comment about reducing direct risk py not bringing phones
3. my full scale going to a protest list includes:

• appropriate closed toe shoes (boots, steel toed shoes, running shoes, gym shoes, and court shoes are all considered appropriate depending on circumstances)
• full length dark athletic pants you can move in
• long sleeved dark nondescript (no logos) athletic top you can move in
• facial covering
• eye protection (splash goggles ideal, impact rated required)
• backpack filled with other supplies you may need

what other supplies go in that backpack:

• first aid kit (ideally with a tourniquet you've been trained to use)
• 2+ bottles of water
• an umbrella
• heat resistant gloves or mitts
• collapsible traffic cone
• snacks

what you keep asking for is more armed observers, which we do need more of, but the best way to learn how to be an armed observer is to get out in the streets with other protestors and meet them first hand, or to join a local community defense group. people looking to become armed observers also need to be aware of the responsibilities and risks. Alex Pretti was present for an ice kidnapping and executed for recording it. it's a very serious undertaking and it can't be taken up over night. i can't speak on the specifics here as that isn't my role, but none of the armed observers i know comment online at all. the only way to get in touch with them is over secured comms like signal. you probably will never hear from any on Lemmy, though you might see videos they've recorded and gotten out in places