Especially after instigating the confrontation
A short, half white, armed, unstable (at least enough to be refused police employment), neighborhood watch guy?
Instigating how? Following TM with a cell phone in his ear? I guess that's a good of a reason as any to attack someone.
Armed, yes. But do you really believe TM knew that at the time? Unstable? Really? You're grabbing at straws.