A group of Republican lawmakers now want to openly defend the Capitol rioters

Nevermind that, look at how the Democrats were treated when they occupied the state Capitol in Madison, WI under Governor Scott Walker. Heralded widely as people power. Not a single Republican accused them of insurrection, nobody was shot dead either, everyone remained calm and no political hysteria was generated. Now the occupying Democrats did some damage to the Capitol during their occupation in Madison but the taxpayers picked up the tab and none of the protestors were sent to jail to my knowledge.

Democrats are increasingly authoritarian in their approach to the opposition party which also has a legitimate right to protest issues whatever they may be.