Those who had originally rejected Samuel’s message were even more enraged at his return (Hel. 13:2–3) and, indeed, had become murderous. Just as the Gadiantons had attempted to kill Nephi, so these Nephites are now attempting to kill Samuel. Both efforts backfired.
Culture: Arrows were for either hunting or battle. They were not an item one would routinely carry around a city. Therefore, we can deduce a deliberate attempt at murder, possibly planned from the first moment Samuel made his reappearance. The archers had to leave the crowd, retrieve their weapons, and return. Samuel probably delivered the bulk of his message while they were gone.