soks86

They're absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people and could not put up a fight if it came to it. They're waiting for backup while still "doing their job" to the extent that won't get them murdered.

Nothing cowardly about it either, choosing to die right there would only increase the commotion and chances that protesters/police/politicians get more seriously injured. This is also why the police in the chambers fired immediately upon breach, at that point there is nowhere else to go and now the shock of people dying has much more effect since the rest of the police are so calm.

One person dying? "I don't wanna die."

Lots of people fighting with perhaps many dying? "Let me jump in to help overthrow the government!"

edit: perhaps made more clear by the fact that when a civilian did get shot I believe only civilians helped her while the police just kept their focus on the barely-crowd-control they had to wield

The law is very flexible when it comes to intent.

Absolutely the freedom of press and the circumstances would provide immunity to journalists who are covering the events. Imagine if he did get a picture of Pence or Pelosi being murdered? The value to the public is too immense to even consider punishing a journalist for doing their job.

Yes, you probably need proof you were a journalist before that day or else it may be viewed as an excuse but the government would not risk it on an actual journalist due to the lawsuits galore that would follow.

I mean yeah, he might get arrested but it would not lead to charges just to him being removed from the area and detained for a bit. Given that most people walked home (AFAIK) I doubt they would hassle a journalist with a press badge.

I dunno, a good way to keep you safe is to give your money back and run for the hills. Lets you know the risk was too great for them so maybe you should check yourself.

Not that I mind brave journalists, super glad Mr. Rodier is safe and got so many insane pictures I haven't seen before.

Hitchen's vandalized a swastika once and almost got disappeared by security goons in a car. I believe it was in Iran and the local _people_ there, from cafe's nearby, saved him. In this situation Mr. Rodier didn't have anyone to save him so this is really wild stuff.

Apparently it has to do with benevolent lemons.

I, for one, welcome our new tangy overlords.