Many Capitol rioters guilty of nothing more than trespassing have received fines and probation. Prosecutors are just now turning to the more serious cases. Only one rioter has been tried by a jury, and he got over 7 years in prison, but his offenses were egregious and included threatening his family.
Paul Rosenzweig, a former federal prosecutor, says the charges and penalties generally make sense so far. “It’s separating the idiots from the leaders,” he says. “Just entering is a misdemeanor. Beating up on police is, ‘We’re going to throw the book at you.’”
It’s important to hold all accountable, but some are guiltier than others, which calls for different sentences. Read story here.
