Paul Bissonnette Fights 6 Men in Scottsdale, Arizona!: Legal Analysis by Attorney Rachel Moss
Featuring Attorney Rachel Moss
December 17, 2024
Words can either inspire peace or incite violence, but can they be classified as an imminent threat? In this video, criminal defense attorney Rachel Moss breaks down an incident involving former Arizona Coyotes star Paul Bissonnette. The footage captured at a bar in Scottsdale, Arizona, shows Paul being attacked by six men. What triggered the altercation? Was Paul’s response a lawful act of self-defense? Attorney Moss analyzes the events inside and outside the bar and discusses the legal implications of the incident.
The Video Footage
In the video, a group of men is seen acting aggressively toward an employee. Paul, who witnesses this, intervenes to confront the men verbally.
“If you keep harassing and assaulting these guys, I’m going to meet you in the parking lot.”
– Paul Bissonnette
The men then attacked Paul unprovoked, causing Paul to retreat outside. The men pursued Paul, who is shown on video being attacked by multiple assailants while being punched and kicked on the ground. Paul responded by using his hands to block the punches and kicks as he continuously attempted to escape. Paul finally escaped, and the men gave up pursuing Paul shortly thereafter.
Legal Analysis
Attorney Moss outlines the principles of self-defense relevant to this case. She emphasizes that verbal provocation alone does not justify the use of physical force. Although Paul invited the men to meet him in the parking lot, this invitation is insufficient to prove he intended to fight, was the aggressor, or threatened the men. Once the assailants physically struck Paul, he had the right to defend himself, including using deadly force, if necessary.
The fact that Paul was outnumbered and was repeatedly punched and kicked while he was on the ground supports the contention that deadly force may have been necessary in the specific circumstances of the incident. Paul’s repeated attempts to retreat and avoid further escalation show he did not seek a fight. Under Arizona’s “stand your ground” law, Paul was not required to retreat, yet he chose to do so, a decision attorney Moss commends as demonstrating restraint and avoiding unnecessary violence.
“Keep in mind you cannot act based on verbal provocation alone. Unless it’s verbal provocation plus some sort of action that indicates that a force is imminent.”
– Attorney Moss
Charges Against the Aggressors
Attorney Moss reports that Shawn Daly, one of the aggressors, has been indicted on aggravated assault and disorderly conduct charges. Attorney Moss discusses the specific type of aggravated assault Mr. Daly was charged with. She notes that Mr. Daly was charged with assaulting Paul while his capacity to resist was substantially impaired, as Mr. Daly attacked Paul while multiple assailants were likewise attacking Paul. Additionally, three other attackers have been referred to the Scottsdale City prosecutor for potential felony charges.
Coincidence or Pattern?
The aggressors may face additional charges, as recent reports indicate other incidents involving the same group of men. In a separate altercation, a young man named Carter was caught on camera being attacked by this same group of men after he asked them to leave the Raven Golf Club, which was about to close. This suggests a pattern of aggressive and disorderly behavior, which could influence the prosecutors’ decisions moving forward.
Overall, attorney Moss commends Paul for his measured use of proportionate force, his clear grasp of what constitutes reasonableness, and, above all, for refraining from aggression. Paul neither provoked nor escalated the situation, employing only the necessary force to defend himself.
“I think Paul’s use of force was excellent in this case. I guess he learned a thing or two from being a hockey player getting in some fights on the ice.”
– Attorney Moss
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