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Why? Its the Capitol, probably the MOST legitimate place to protest in the entire nation. It is also oft open to the public. Or at least was prior to covid. In many cases on that day the relevant barricades were unmanned, and notably the Capitol police did not close and lock the door. Basically every protestor not in the vanguard would have had no indicia that the building was closed to the public at that time.
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Why would a reasonable person think that? Other state capitol buildings, e.g. Wisconsin, were occupied for lengthy periods by people conducting protest activities, with all their rights to do so protected.
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How many people who protested in the Capitol during the Kavanaugh nomination faced criminal charges and nationwide Federal manhunts?
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Typically it's just a misdemeanor with a fine on the order 50USD.
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