What would you do if while out enjoying yourself around a lot of people - suddenly everything goes to hell in a handbasket?

Crowds that turn into mobs, especially when fueled by alcohol, can quickly become ugly and unsafe. We live in troubled times and I think it is very wise for us to educate each other about safety.

Something to be mindful of during a riot is to not blindly follow whoever in the crowd yells the loudest. At best the person might not be thinking clearly, at worst they might purposefully want the adrenaline rush of stirring shit up.

Remain calm. Riots bring intense emotions boiling to the surface, but if you want to survive one you'd be better off keeping yours in check. Your adrenaline and survival instincts will kick in, but try to think rationally and pursue safety methodically.

Stay on the sidelines. If you're caught up in a riot, don't take sides. Try to look as inconspicuous as possible, and slowly and carefully move to the outside of the mob.

The more time you spend in the midst of a riot, the greater your chance of being injured or killed. That said, in most circumstances it's better to move out of a riot slowly. If you run, you will draw attention to yourself, so it's usually best to walk. It can also be dangerous to move against a crowd, so go with the flow until you are able to escape into a doorway or up a side street or alley. It may also be advantageous to stay with the crowd until you are certain you can safely escape because it will help you remain inconspicuous and improve your odds of survival if shots are fired.

More ideas from How to Survive a Riot

also helpful: How to avoid being shot by a Police Officer

I do not know what songs were played at the Dead Prez concert.  However I find the following lyrics from one of their songs pretty telling about the group.  Presumably those who listen to Dead Prez are familiar with them and most likely some of them believe in the message contained therein.  Considering some had spraypaint at the concert, makes me wonder if any excuse would have worked for a riot?

I throw a molotov cocktail at the precinct, you know how we think
Organize the hood under I ching banners
Red, black and green instead of gang bandanas
F.b.i. spyin on us through the radio antennas
And them hidden cameras in the streetlight watchin society
With no respect for the peoples right to privacy
Ill take a slug for the cause like huey p.
While all you fake niggaz {*unnngh*} try to copy master p
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
We sick of workin for crumbs and fillin up the prisons
Dyin over money and relyin on religion for help
We do for self like ants in a colony
Organize the wealth into a socialist economy
A way of life based off the common need
And all my comrades is ready, we just spreadin the seed

-Police State