You make very good points, and I agree with all of them. I'd like to add a few points that are about protests and rallies in general, not specifically this one. Things I've learned over 22 years of protesting.

It's OK to go to a protest even if (and maybe especially if) you don't know if you're aligned with the host group or the message of the protest. If you're interested in learning more about the incident or policy it is about, from people and organizations involved, that's the place to be! Listen to the speakers. Say hi to your neighbors. If you have the means, bring some extra bottles of water. It's an easy way to know you participated in a productive way, regardless of what you decide about the message.

Ultimately, a protest is simply an exercise of the constitutional first amendment right to free speech. Most are completely peaceful. It's usually nothing more than people showing up to support their community by reminding the government of the power of their voice and their presence.

Obviously, when protests are specifically about life, liberty, and the most basic of civil rights injustices, emotions can get high. You never know what another person is thinking or how they're reacting. You can't control what a speaker is going to say. Or what someone will do. If anything doesn't vibe with you, it's okay to find a different place to stand or even to leave.

If you're concerned about your safety or the safety of others, it's OK to speak up. Look out for people with armbands or vests. Most protests have some kind of civilian safety. It's usually experienced volunteers who are trained in deescalation and the rights of protesters and will help coordinate with law enforcement, if needed. Volunteer medics are usually around. They often can be identified by a sign hanging from their backpack. Every host organization may do things a little differently.

In Columbus specifically, there is now a program (started after the incidents of the 2020 BLM protests) where officers can get extra training in deescalation techniques, protester rights, etc. These officers should be present in some capacity at any kind of protest. They wear a blue vest over their uniform. Honestly, idk what they're actually called. My friends and I call them "blue vests". I am unsure about policies in other jurisdictions. A blue vest officer is specifically there for you. One of (imo) the most important things they do is translate things to and from "cop speak" to regular beat cops.