A political protest is defined by the First Amendment as “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This was demonstrably not that.

This is what it was: United States Senate; Staff Report

https://www.rules.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Jan%206%20HSGAC%20Rules%20Report.pdf

EXAMINING THE U.S. CAPITOL ATTACK: A REVIEW OF THE SECURITY,

PLANNING, AND RESPONSE FAILURES ON JANUARY 6

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“On January 6, 2021, the world witnessed a violent and unprecedented attack on the U.S.

Capitol, the Vice President, Members of Congress, and the democratic process. Rioters,

attempting to disrupt the Joint Session of Congress, broke into the Capitol building, vandalized

and stole property, and ransacked offices. They attacked members of law enforcement and

threatened the safety and lives of our nation’s elected leaders. Tragically, seven individuals,

including three law enforcement officers, ultimately lost their lives.

“Rioters were intent on disrupting the Joint Session, during which Members of Congress

were scheduled to perform their constitutional obligation to count the electoral votes for

President and Vice President of the United States and announce the official results of the 2020

election. Due to the heroism of United States Capitol Police (“USCP”) officers, along with their

federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the rioters failed to prevent Congress from

fulfilling its constitutional duty. In the early hours of January 7, the President of the Senate, Vice

President Pence, announced Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris as the President-elect and Vice

President-elect of the United States.”

No, it was no “political protest.”

Yes, it was an insurrection; i.e., “a violent uprising against an authority or government.” It was a planned and illegal attempt to subvert the will of the people, through the due process established by the Constitution, to lawfully choose the President and Vice President of the United States.