1. If a mostly unarmed mob can so easily breach the Capitol, how hard could it be for a smaller number of armed "professionals" to do so? Presumably every country with grievances against the U.S. (a rather long list) is now exploring the possibility of an armed strike on the Capitol. Certainly domestic terrorists are too.
2. What are the rules for the use of deadly force by the Capitol police? It could be that the rules are very strict, more so than for many local police. It could also be that the police lack training about how and when to use deadly force. The police shot one intruder inside the Capitol as she and others were trying to access the House Chamber. Why only one? Was that proper or improper under the circumstances? [Note: I've fixed the details about the circumstances in which the person was shot.]
3. Even elements of the ruling class have had enough, and are calling for action against Trump, who incited his stormtroopers. (See also.) Will the Cabinet remove him? Will the House impeach and the Senate convict? My guess is neither will happen for fear of bringing on another round of stormtrooper violence. In that respect,the stormtrooper riot could be considered a victory for the fascists in our midst. (Addendum: more on some of the fascists involved.)
4. If most rioters walk away "free" from their multiple crimes (unlawful trespass on the Capitol, assaulting police, destroying government property, etc.), then yesterday's riot is just the beginning. Will there be further arrests, prosecutions, jailtime for the criminals?
5. Will Senators Cruz and Hawley, who lent their support to Trump's fraud on the public, be voted out office? Or will they be rewarded by the voters back home who sympathized with the mob?
6. Will the other Repug leaders--Senator McConnell, Representative McCarthy, etc.--walk back now from the monstrosity they have helped create? Will the realization that the mob was also coming for them lead them to change their party's course, so that it ceases to be repugnant?
7. Will Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and the other purveyors of lies and incitement suffer for their role in this? Will they recant? Will advertisers finally abandon these enemries of democracy en masse?
8. For more than two centuries, the U.S. has managed to have peaceful transitions of power. In 2020 that ended. Will this be the new normal? Will future transitions of power also be marred by violent resistance? Will future transitions of power occur when they should?
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