One of the scariest parts is that it said he had frequented the place often and nothing happened. You can never let your guard down even with regulars.
If you do some detective work on the web you'll discover Center City is the worst part of Philly. You'd be safer parachuting into Iran shouting slanders about the Prophet than going into Center City. I don't think Austin's shit neighborhoods will be that bad for a few years yet. Still, seeing stories like that does help remind people to stay on their toes in general.