The app for independent voices
"What's your position on provocateurs specifically? Do you have any suggestions on what peaceful protesters can do to block these people from indulging in violence?"
I apologize to you Joan, I was flippant and glib, and I did not answer this question, and I should have. That is on me.
Allow me to rectify that.
If you see someone you think is a provocateur or someone engaged in violence, do NOT approach that person. They could be, in increasing order of danger, a person having a mental health crisis, which would put you into physical danger. They could be a right-wing provocateur, like a boogaloo boy, which would put you into physical danger. Worst of all, they could be an undercover cop, which could put you into SERIOUS physical danger.
Do not sit down next to the provocateur as a signal to the police, as that would only significantly increase your physical danger. Do not talk to the provocateur, as that would put you into physical danger, and for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT RESTRAIN THE PROVOCATEUR, because they could kill you.
Instead, walk directly away from who you think is a provocateur. Go and find a protest organizer. They are very nice. They are trying to help you have a successful protest. Explain the situation to them, and ONLY to them. Let them deal with it - they know what they are doing, you do not. You will NOT get in trouble if you are seen talking to a protest organizer.
Then return to your protest. Remember, you are a protester, not a policeman.
The worst thing you could do is approach a policeman and point out who you think is a provocateur. First of all, policemen do not like being approached at protests; you are putting yourself in physical danger if you do so (see video below). If any other protesters see you talking to a policeman and pointing out individual protesters, you are putting yourself in physical danger from your fellow protesters.
Have solidarity with the people protesting with you. If you see a problem, go to a protest organizer, not to the police.
Remember: protest organizer: friend. Policeman: not a friend. Do not let your ideological priors put you in danger.