The USCP were not authorized to use lethal force unless there is/was a danger to human life. It sounds odd in that situation, but it is a best practice. When Ashley Babbitt was shot, the Lt who discharged his weapon saw her as a direct threat to the safety of the Members of Congress who were still in the House Chamber and thus he was not charged for the shooting. He was investigated by his department, metropolitan police and the justice department and all found it a clean shoot. Police officers are held to a much higher standard than the castle doctrine or stand your ground. Most of the asshole insurrectionists that have been arrested to date have been charged with misdemeanors. They were fucking assholes, but it is hard to execute people for that.
In hind sight, I wish that the USCP had greater access to non-lethal weapons outside the building. Better bulk distribution of CS and Pepper Spray, fire hoses, and more men and women ready for the insane battle that took place.
The use of lethal force has to be a last resort at all times. The Lt fired 1 round, he hit what he shot at. He did not shoot into the crowd, he did not empty his weapon. He followed his general orders and his training and took the protective action that was necessary to keep further loss of life from occurring.
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