Which is complete horsehocky, and you know it. Every protected space has large signs clearly warning anyone that "deadly force is authorized" beyond that point. If you have really been a member of the Marine Security Guard, you'd know that. I have been to that part of the Capitol on numerous occasions in the past and I have also been to several embassies all over the world - and special weapons sites. Those protected sites have visible warnings. And there are several steps taken prior to reaching those points where warnings are issued and/or nonlethals deployed.
The embassy Marines in Tehran who were faced by thousands of violent Iranian rioters never fired a shot because they had the discipline and courage to hold their posts and follow the orders of the ambassador.
You will not win arguments when you don’t know what you are talking about. There is an abyss between jaunting around the globe and actually doing the job.
Pick an embassy. Any embassy. Write the Detachment Commander and ask him if the “safe area” (that is what it’s called there) is marked. It is not. But everyone knows where it is. He may not tell you because it’s in the plan, but if you call and talk about the recent event, you may get an answer. Absent that, contact someone in the MSG Alumni page. They will tell because they are not on active duty anymore.
The Federal Government is under no obligation to mark the areas they established in their emergency action plan as the final defensive position. It is for THEM to know, and not intruders. But Congress isn’t going to decorate their house with such warnings. If a person doesn’t know a federal guard will employ deadly force to protect his principals, then reality will be a harsh teacher. High School and college offer no course on Common Sense.
Next time you are in DC, ask one of the police. They will tell you. I was fortunate to work with a former Capitol Police and have been in contact with hm.
Tehran didn’t have an ambassador in-country, so you obviously do not know your facts. It was the Regional Security Officer that told the Marines to stand down from the order of the Charge de Affairs. The Marines wanted to fight. As it turned out, geography is important. There was no where to go— they had to surrender. The Marines were required to keep everyone healthy and in high morale for the captivity. That is an example taught at the school house. You can call them too. Ask for the Headquarters Company 1st Sergeant and he will direct you to the Chief Instructor.
It is what it is, facts are stubborn things.