Spelling out the ‘weapons and the plan’

“No weapons, no plan?” (Opinions, 1/21/23). A few definitions and authenticated measures are in order.

Definition of an “Insurrection”: “A rising or rebellion of citizens against their government, usually manifested by acts of violence.”

Definition of a “Rising”: “An armed protest against authority; a revolt”

In legal terms, “armed” means being in possession of any weapon, not just a firearm.

Definition of a “Weapon”: “A weapon is generally something used to injure, defeat, or destroy and may cover many types of instruments, such as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club, among others.”

More than 725 people have been arrested for crimes tied to the assault on the Capitol. Many investigations still ongoing. Based on court records, the conservative Washington Examiner posted a list of 117 weapons actually brought/used by protesters on January 6th. A sampling: stun guns, pepper sprays, baseball bats, fire extinguishers, spears, flagpoles, bear spray, mace, chemical irritants, tasers, ice ax, pipe, crowbar and knives. (Concealed weapons not included.)

Number of hours the certification of electors was prevented from occurring by the mob = 13.

Number of attendees originally authorized by permit = 20,000. Actual attendance = approximately 120,000.

Number of police officers physically harmed on January 6th = 140.

Number of deaths tied to January 6th = 5.

Cost of Capitol cleanup/repairs = $1.5 to $2.73 million.

— Mark S. Gailey, Chico