There are multiple ways to launch Assistant on Pixel smartphones and Android devices. The list of options increased with the release of Android 12. Instead of long-pressing the Side button to open a power menu, Pixels default to launching Google Assistant. Thankfully, you can disable this feature.
For those of you with Pixels or phones where holding the Power Button launches Google Assistant, here's how to turn it off.
Just so you don't get pissed off the next time you need to restart or shut off your phone.