Your first reflection about Behan is interesting, but I think there is more to it. I don't recognize Virgil's comment as more volatile than one or two of his others that day, but certainly it gives us the understanding that Virgil himself is volatile. Especially in light of the fact that he has had no contact or exchange with the troublemakers he is referring to. Other than some agitation with Ike the night before and earlier in the forenoon, all is quiet as Ike is under control, so to speak, and has made no further comments about the whole thing. At least not publicly. Let's not forget that Ike was NOT the instigator in either confrontation.

Behan was more diplomatic, less inclined to consider himself the 'man-of-the-hour' and though he did not repeat those exact words in the courtroom, as Steve pointed out, that does not support the idea they were never said or that Behan did not take them seriously. His focus was clearly on what he saw in Virgil an explosive situation and he attempted to get some control without an actual confrontation. He behaved correctly, as an experienced lawman should have.

However, unless we are all as numb as was the Prosecution team, we should be able to grasp the serious nature of Virgil's attitude and words, even if the whole expression was not emphasized. There was almost no provocation and yet Virgil is out in the middle of the intersection with a shotgun, and with of all people, DOC HOLLIDAY! Does one really need further exclamation in order to get the understanding that Virgil is the guy in charge, hot-headed, and as yet, other than an earlier grievance with Ike who is now quiet, is ready to fight to the death with men he has had no contact with?

Behan did not, I assume, forget anything of importance. He knew that what he DID say should have been clear enough to intelligent men. Especially as all in the courtroom were now fully aware of what the result was.