Are Jan. 6 rioters traitors? So far, criminal charges say no

[UpInArms]

CHICAGO (AP) — Plotted to block the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory: Check. Discussed bringing weapons into Washington to aid in the plan: Check. Succeeded with co-insurrectionists, if only temporarily, in stopping Congress from carrying out a vital constitutional duty: Check.

Accusations against Jan. 6 rioter Thomas Caldwell certainly seem to fit the charge of sedition as it’s generally understood — inciting revolt against the government. And the possibility of charging him and others was widely discussed after thousands of pro-Trump supporters assaulted scores of police officers, defaced the U.S. Capitol and hunted for lawmakers to stop the certification. Some called their actions treasonous.

But to date, neither Caldwell nor any of the other more than 500 defendants accused in the attack has been indicted for sedition or for the gravest of crimes a citizen can face, treason. And as an increasing number of lesser charges are filed and defendants plead guilty, those accusations may never be formally levied.

… snip …

In a landmark ruling in 1807, Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that treason required a citizen actually go to war against the United States, not to just brainstorm or draw up plans for it. Even recruiting and training rebels for war, he argued, isn’t treason if war is never engaged.

In the history of the U.S., the government has convicted fewer than 10 people for treason, according to the FBI.

More at:

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-61007f50fb3ebe15a07982112f05730c

[Faux pas]

1. That's

EFFING ridiculous!!! Why even arrest them then?

[Walleye]

2. I don't think Timothy McVeigh was ever charged with treason. Seemed like an open and shut case

[fescuerescue]

6. Because the goal was to put him away or execute him

Charging him with 168 counts of pre-meditated murder was a MUCH MUCH stronger and more sure case than treason.

His defense would have been quite happy to have dealt with a treason charge, as those are rare, have little experience with and is a much more technical charge.


The prosecutors choose the sure path, instead of the highly likely path.

[Rocknation]

3. Sedition is a "grave" enough charge for me

Undermining a government can be just as lethal as overthrowing one.


rocktivity

[brush]

4. It's more sedition to me too and I say throw the book at them hard, but too many...

republican judges are being easy on too many of them.

It's the result of republicans concerted effort over the years to get power over the courts.

[lagomorph777]

5. Treason was never an option. Sedition absolutely should be.

And the people at the top should face that charge. If they do not, we need to take to the streets.

[TheRealNorth]

7. Surprised the Nazi girl from PA is not being charged with treason.

She stole Nancy Pelosi's tablet computer and (tried?) To sell it to the Russians. I don't think they ever recovered it, so who knows who actually has it.