Why were the protesters allowed to get on the steps before they were arrested yesterday? All these “protests” get out of hand with little to no police intervention, even after the violence breaks out.
IMO, one could also ask why the senate gallery was not emptied after yesterday's first disruptive outburst.
Again IMO, history strongly suggests there is a very thin line between allowing citizens to enjoy their rights in specific instances and denying those rights via any governmental response involving barriers or force.
The latter is immediately presented, at least by those who disagree with our systems, as a broader, more inclusive issue and tends to attract sympathizers and supporters.
Recall the Obama era mantra, "Don't let a crisis go to waste." It's is right out of the playbook of those that seek more power over the community.