Cowboy favoring witnesses, like Sheriff Behan, would testify that Tom McLaury threw open his coat and stated that he was not armed.  They would also say that Billy Clanton held his arms up saying he “don’t want to fight.” Wyatt Earp testified that Billy Clanton and Frank McLaury threw hands to revolvers once Virgil made his statement.  Virgil’s statement varies slightly, saying that they already had their hands on their revolvers.  Whatever the case, the shots followed very soon after.  Probably seconds after Virgil told them to throw up their hands.

Two banging shots rang out to start the fight.  They were so close together that everyone knew they couldn’t be from the same gun.  Who fired those shots?  Of course, that is a matter of debate, more about that tomorrow.