Why was the public reaction to the black panthers mixed?

The reason why public reaction towards black panthers was mixed is ; They weren't sure if they were dangerous.

On one side, the black panthers is an organization that fight for the equality and the freedom from Discrimination upon the Racial minorities.
On the other hands, they often use violent method to convey their cause

Ok so i would give u ideas like peaceful protest like saying calmly no i will not get up from this restaurant until i get some food. and if the police come say all i want is food. u cant arrest me for trying to get some food