Conspiracy and Complicity

As more information comes out - from journalists, participants, observers - a few things are becoming clearer. There was conspiracy and complicity. How far does it go? Yet to be seen. What I have read/seen today: (Sources linked where possible)

Some off duty Capital Police and DC Metro police officers participated in the coup, including flashing their badges to get access. LINK

Our allies abroad have concrete suspicions that "multiple" agencies - perhaps even the DoD - either through inaction or direct complicity - aided and abetted the coup. LINK

As the Capitol was under attack, Congressional members, staffers, press, and security were legitimately fearful of their lives as the mob used everything at hand to forcefully take the Capitol. One described it as "a pitched battle." LINK Meanwhile......

Trump was calling Senators to ask them to overturn the election results as they sheltered in place, waiting to be evacuated. LINK

The mob had zip cuffs and guns. They were chanting "Hang Pence" and had made a operational gallows on the plaza. There are also social media posts indicating that was the plan. LINK

Right-wing extremist social media was instrumental in not only organizing the coup, but spreading disinformation in its wake. LINK

Many coup participants feel Trump has abandoned them because they did what he asked and then left to them out to dry, allowing them to be labeled as traitors. LINK

The House will debate one article of impeachment: incitement of insurrection. LINK

There is movement within the GOP to support the impeachment process. Sasse of Nebraska has indicated he "is open" to discussing the House's article. LINK

Murkowski (R-AK) said, unequivocally, that Trump has lost her support, "I want him out." Also, if the GOP is to be the party of Trump, she can not see herself as a part of it. LINK

Analysis - what does it all mean?

I think it means this is the tip of a very large iceberg. There is obvious complicity with the CP and Metro police. The refusal of the DoD to authorize the deployment of ANY National Guard, from Maryland, Virginia, or DC, is disturbing and possibly indicative of a deeper connection. 

The fact that the mob was looking for Pence, with police grade zip cuffs, and made a makeshift gallows, implies that he was the lynchpin of the plan, His refusal to participate caused it to fall apart, although Trump did not call off the mob, knowing that the election would not be overturned. It's looking more and more like this was much more coordinated and sophisticated than the "political protest gotten out of hand" Tucker Carlson described. 

The FBI and local authorities across the nation are rounding up and charging participants. The chances of one of them not flipping on the instigators are small. This could get ugly and uncomfortable for a lot of people.

The relatively sudden shift in position for many GOP members, given they know more than us, to me, signals there is more.  I think Murkowski and Sasse are first through the breach to give other senators cover when it comes time to vote.

Trumps allies, and some former allies, may be in serious peril. Hawley's (R-MO) largest donor is calling for his censure. His GOP colleagues are furious with him. And the photo of his raised fist in solidarity with the mob prior to the attack is not going to age well. CNN just interviewed someone who knew a right-wing blogger who posted about coordination of the attack with members of Congress. These breadcrumbs left by co-conspirators may lead to him, and other Republican representatives - that is PURE speculation, though. Lindsey "I deplore Trump but think he's OK overall" Graham was hounded by a pro-Trump mob in the airport this afternoon, with threats that they will follow him for the rest of his life. 

That's just what I have right now. I'll up date if more info comes out later tonight.