# 7 Jan 2021 and beyond - the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020>\
**Category:** Politics & Elections\
**Created:** [January 8, 2021, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020 "2021-01-08T10:28:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 168

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**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [June 27, 2022, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3349 "2022-06-27T19:27:10Z")

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looks like they are going with a hearing tomorrow, 28 june, 1pm eastern. something must have hit since late thursday. i can’t imagine they would call a hearing and not have something big lined up.

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**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3350 "2022-06-28T22:54:55Z")

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> [@rocking\_chair](#):
>
> . i can’t imagine they would call a hearing and not have something big lined up.

Physically attacking one’s secret service agent should do nicely.

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**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3351 "2022-06-28T22:58:40Z")

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> [@JKellyMap](#):
>
> Physically attacking one’s secret service agent should do nicely.

Sadly, only if that agent is willing to press charges.

If this had been established beyond reasonable doubt (by contemporaneous note-taking, multiple witnesses, etc.) then even if the agent were NOT willing to press charges, this might have worked to get a “convict” vote in Trump’s second impeachment.

Beyond that, though: probably nothing but the very reasonable disgust felt by millions at the thought that this mentally-ill clown was President.

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**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3352 "2022-06-28T23:00:51Z")

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The things that could have happened if he did make it to the capital are just brain exploding. Defence department must be so happy they were well out of it.

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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2022, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3353 "2022-06-28T23:09:49Z")

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The impeachment trial would have been a lot stronger if Trump had gone to the Capital. _Participating_ in the unlawful events would have been devastating for Trump.

But, his involvement would have escalated events to another level. I don’t want to think about what that crowd might have done.

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**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3354 "2022-06-29T02:37:33Z")

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> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> But, his involvement would have escalated events to another level. I don’t want to think about what that crowd might have done.

Aww, now. I like to think that they might rip him limb from limb in a frenzy of souvenir gathering if he made it there. It’s certainly in the realm of possibilities.

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3355 "2022-06-29T03:04:25Z")

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> [@Sherrerd](#):
>
> > [@JKellyMap](#):
> >
> > Physically attacking one’s secret service agent should do nicely.
> 
> Sadly, only if that agent is willing to press charges.

I don’t think that is correct. IANAL, but I’ve seen several articles written by lawyers that debunk this cliché. Bringing charges for assault does not require the consent of the victim.

However, Trumps tantrum probably doesn’t amount to a crime that would be worth prosecuting.

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**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3356 "2022-06-29T03:36:00Z")

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> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I don’t think that is correct. IANAL, but I’ve seen several articles written by lawyers that debunk this cliché. Bringing charges for assault does not require the consent of the victim.

This is one of those situations where you’re technically correct, which, as we all know, is the best kind of correct. For most cases, practically speaking, it’s difficult to successfully prosecute someone when the alleged victim isn’t interested in assiting the prosecution.

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**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3357 "2022-06-29T04:57:30Z")

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> [@aceplace57](#):
>
> The impeachment trial would have been a lot stronger if Trump had gone to the Capital. _Participating_ in the unlawful events would have been devastating for Trump.
> 
> But, his involvement would have escalated events to another level. I don’t want to think about what that crowd might have done.

What would have happened if the Capitol Police, the D.C. Police, the National Guard, whatever law enforcement was there, had taken more drastic steps to quell the riot? What if they had tear-gassed the entire crowd? What if gunfire had broken out? What if there has been LOTS of gunfire?

And . . . What if any or all of the above had happened _and Trump Hisself had been present_ ?

That could have gotten very ugly very fast. Would it have become a full-on gun battle between the Capitol Police, etc., versus Trump’s Secret Service and his armed Peoples’ Army?

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**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3358 "2022-06-29T05:56:55Z")

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> [@Sherrerd](#):
>
> this might have worked to get a “convict” vote in Trump’s second impeachment

Nothing would have moved the GOP senators to convict Trump. Literally nothing.

He could have strolled into Congress on 6-Jan and killed Nancy Pelosi with a machete on live television, and the suckup zealots in the Senate still would have supported him.

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**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3359 "2022-06-29T09:09:51Z")

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> [@JKellyMap](#):
>
> Physically attacking one’s secret service agent should do nicely.

Subsequent reports from the SS suggest that Trump didn’t really assault his SS agent but rather that he lunged forward to do so but was restrained by his seatbelt.

Which is still indicative of intent. And pretty funny.

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**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3360 "2022-06-29T09:13:39Z")

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> [@Gyrate](#):
>
> {…} restrained by his seatbelt. {…}

Seatbelt? Yeah, that’s what they told him it was.

[![](https://www.yissvic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/71WS8JKMNmL._SL1500_.jpg) ](https://www.yissvic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/71WS8JKMNmL._SL1500_.jpg)

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**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 9:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3361 "2022-06-29T09:41:10Z")

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> [@Senegoid](#):
>
> That could have gotten very ugly very fast. Would it have become a full-on gun battle between the Capitol Police, etc., versus Trump’s Secret Service and his armed Peoples’ Army?

In the event of a gun battle breaking out, the Secret Service’s main job would have been to get him out of there pronto. So they wouldn’t have joined in any gun fight unless absolutely necessary.

But this is why they wouldn’t let him go there in the first place. They knew (at least I hope they knew) that there were many armed people in that Trump Army and they didn’t have anywhere near the resouces to ensure his safety among them.

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**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3362 "2022-06-29T13:52:25Z")

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trump uses a seatbelt??! i’m a bit skeptical.

[January 6th Committee on Twitter: “Today’s testimony makes clear that Trump wanted to go to the Capitol with the armed mob, despite warnings not to do so from his advisors. When the Secret Service ruled out the possibility, the former President erupted in anger in the Suburban he was riding in. https://t.co/Ef69CAenn6” / Twitter](https://twitter.com/January6thCmte/status/1541868218922541058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1541868218922541058%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsweek.com%2Fdonald-trump-presidential-limo-capitol-january-6-committee-cassidy-hutchinson-1720126)

you can see hands and arms waving around.

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**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3363 "2022-06-29T19:37:13Z")

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Often appalled, never surprised.

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**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3364 "2022-06-29T19:49:13Z")

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Trump wearing a seatbelt??? 🤣

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**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3365 "2022-06-29T19:50:52Z")

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Trump doing something physical???  
🤣

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**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3366 "2022-06-29T19:52:40Z")

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Presidents wear seat belts. Although, they seem to have caught Obama not wearing one at least once.

> **[Does The President Wear A Seat Belt?](https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2011/01/06/132721125/does-the-president-wear-a-seatbelt)**
>
> The Secret Service says it's the driver's responsibility to make sure everyone in the car is buckled up.

> The Hill’s Washington Scene\* asked the Secret Service if the president is required to wear a seat belt in his presidential limo. It took three years for them to respond to the Freedom of Information Act request and the [simple answer is, yes]

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**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3367 "2022-06-29T19:52:54Z")

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in the pictures from the walter reed ride around, trump was not wearing a seatbelt.

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**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/3368 "2022-06-29T19:54:27Z")

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> [@enipla](#):
>
> Trump wearing a seatbelt???

I’m guessing that the driver will generally not start moving until all passengers are strapped in. I cite the documentary _Tess_.

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