Anthony had one hand inside his backpack during the confrontation, and nearby students believed he was "bluffing" rather than about to produce a weapon.

Defense

If witnesses themselves did not perceive an imminent weapon threat, this could cut against a claim that Anthony's own conduct alone should have signaled danger to the group — though it could equally be read as evidence the group did not believe force was imminent, which is a fact-specific question about THEIR state of mind, not Anthony's.

Prosecution

Supports an argument that the ultimate use of a knife was not foreseeable/justified from the group's perspective, i.e., nothing about the situation, as perceived by those present, suggested lethal force was about to occur.