These people were looking for a fight. A weapon would have presented a challenge to them. They were obviously under the influence of something and not thinking clearly. I think doing whatever you can do minimize the damage of the worst case scenario is the best choice, however unlikely that scenario may be, somewhere it will happen eventually. Damage control is the only responsible action to take. I would rather have a bruise then someones blood on my hands because i tried to fight them off with a weapon. I would defend myself, but I would not be the one to sink down to their level, and make the situation escalate.