All these wimpy unlawful entry charges don't seem to fit the seriousness of what occurred and what almost occurred. As it was, members of Congress and their staff had to hunker down and then escape a violent dangerous mob attack.
DoJ says do not be misled by what you are seeing at the outset. They have a ton of very serious charges coming down the pike. And, they went on, don't think that because you made it home safely that you are in the clear.
I said the same thing initially.
That more serious charges could be added later.
But:
1) these insurrectionist rioters are certainly more likely to get out on minimal bail if the initial charges aren't upped rather quickly. I'd rather they spend some uncomfortable and unpleasant time in jail awaiting trial without bail contemplating their actions and beliefs, you know like poor minorities often do for minor offenses.
2) inertia sets in, expectations are lowered, and prosecutors will have to justify upping charges as the seriousness of the event fades some months from now. I'd rather start with tough serious charges and later as needed plea bargain and drop any charges that are too strong for the actions in question. Again, the way drug dealers and poor people and minorities are usually treated.
Throw the book at them and then bargain down for guilty pleas or because evidence isn't enough for the harsh charges. Hell, I even like bleeding lawyer fees out of these assholes trying to defend against insurrection charges.
Drop a conspiracy to commit sedition charge on everyone who unlawfully entered the Capitol and withdraw that stringent allegation as evidence dictates.
Maybe this will all sort itself out better next week after Biden takes control. Hope Merrick is up for the task.
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