The Atlantic
Treat the Attack on the Capitol as Terrorism
Failing to do so simply because most of the rioters are white and regard themselves as “patriots” would be deeply unjust.
January 17, 2021
Joseph Prezioso / AFP / Getty
Public officials from Vice President Mike Pence on down have sung a consistent refrain since a mob attacked the Capitol on January 6: Those involved should be prosecuted to the “fullest extent of the law.” For those implicated in the murder of the Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, the penalties are obviously severe. Murdering a federal official carries a life sentence and, depending on what is proven at trial, could carry the death penalty.