In an “opinion column” published in The Hill on Saturday, Feb. 20, attorney Jonathan Turley, who is also a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, stated that “Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) captured the outrage of many citizens when he declared the Capitol riot last month to be the Pearl Harbor of this generation that ‘will live forever in infamy.’ He went on to say that the comparison is apt, if viewed from the standpoint of a lack of preparation by the U.S. Congress itself, despite numerous warnings.
Law enforcement agencies in the Capitol have trained intensively for violent protests and possible breaches to the Capitol and other government buildings. Many were already on high alert, due to the protests in Washington during the previous summer. So, when the breach seemed to occur rapidly and easily, many were shocked.
Many troubling questions have arisen in the past weeks, including contradictory reports about who knew/did what and when. For example, “Congress was warned repeatedly of possible violence on Jan. 6 by the Trump administration and law enforcement agencies. National Guard troops were offered to the Capitol days beforehand but declined. While large numbers of protesters were expected, Capitol Police deployed a ridiculously small force, with roughly 1,800 officers facing more than 8,000 rioters. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) reportedly limited a Guard presence before the protests to help with traffic and crowd control.”
