Anthony told Metcalf "touch me and find out" during their verbal confrontation, before the physical push and stabbing.

Defense

Could be framed as a warning intended to de-escalate/deter rather than provoke, but is also the specific kind of statement §9.31(b)(1) (verbal provocation alone does not justify force) may be raised against — this cuts both ways and should not be presented as favoring only one side.

Prosecution

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye characterized this statement as a threat Anthony made TO Metcalf in closing argument (per nbcnews-verdict-sentencing), framing Anthony as the one who introduced the prospect of violence.