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Comment by uncoder0 | Hacker News Reader

I keep seeing 'armed mob' posted everywhere without any evidence. What were they armed with? I watched the whole thing live from many angles and I saw plenty of people doing dumb shit like breaking windows and such. The majority just waltzed in took a tour and walked out. They even obeyed the velvet ropes in the entryway.

edit: looks like at least one person was inside the capitol with a firearm and four others were arrested in DC for open carrying firearms.

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There were 5 arrests for firearm offences, a cooler full of molotov cocktails and 2 pipebombs.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/07/ashli-babbit...

This is what I was looking for thanks. It does not specify that the firearm offenses were on the capitol and I know a few of them were from people marching while open carrying off the capitol grounds which is illegal under DC law.

The molotovs is a tidbit I didn't know about thankfully no one actually used them.

> I know a few of them were from people marching while open carrying off the capitol grounds which is illegal under DC law

If you knew this then why did you ask about whether it was an "armed mob" in the first place?

Because they weren't arrested attacking the capitol. I just saw confirmation in this thread that at least one person was arrested with a firearm who had entered the capitol so I corrected my original comment.

Here's a list of items that are prohibited on the Capitol grounds, in the Capitol and visitor center, in the buildings and the galleries:

https://www.uscp.gov/visiting-capitol-hill/regulations-prohi...

The gallery list includes: Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition. Weapons, to include, but not limited to, Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives of any size including razors and box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices. Explosives and explosive devices to include, but not limited to, Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks. Mace and pepper spray. Aerosol containers. Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs. Battery operated electronic devices to include cellular telephones, electronic keys, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording devices. Electronic medical devices are permitted. Cans, bottles, food, and food containers, including all liquids. Creams, lotions, and perfume. Strollers. Briefcases, backpacks, and suitcases of any size

It really looks like this guy has a gun holstered on his right hip. But he definitely has a fist full of zip ties and looks prepared for more than a brief tour. Forgive the source, Seth sucks, but the picture is real as far as I know.

https://twitter.com/SethAbramson/status/1346977323086729218

"Armed" does not necessarily mean gun-carrying. I saw footage of an individual smashing AP camera gear with a baseball bat, for example. They didn't break those windows with their bare hands.

I've heard a lot of people mentioning the pipe bomb, but that was at the RNC, so I don't know either, I have yet to see anyone substantiate it.

Also the DNC.

> They even obeyed the velvet ropes in the entryway.

They did not. There was video of protestors both moving the ropes, and there is video of protestors on the opposite sides of the ropes. Both at least in NBC's coverage. (Unfortunately, they've made their coverage private on YouTube, so I lack a link presently.)

(Sibling comments cover the "armed" aspect well enough.)

How do you feel about this video? https://twitter.com/PhilipinDC/status/1347028917685800961

I see a cop get pushed over then helped up by someone in a MAGA hat. I also see some scrumming with the police which is assault. I still don't see any weapons or any use of weapons on police. This scene doesn't look all too different than scenes we've been witness to for the last 6 months since June with protestors clashing with police.

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