The partisans involved were overwhelmingly well-known fighting men with deep connections to the street violence of the fire companies. During the fighting at Lexington Market, Rip Raps specifically targeted the tavern owned by Petty Naff, the New Market's most notorious rowdy. Petty Naff was a target for Know-Nothing rivals as he led the New Market Fire Company. Naff was notorious in Baltimore for his history of conflict with the police, involvement in riots, assault charges, and his alleged connection to the murder of two men.