“I find it hard to believe that crowd would have attempted to physically attack a hefty defense.”
That bothers me too. It appeared that there were a couple of security guys (on the small side) just calmly standing there. One of the protestors had his back to the guards and seemed to me with his hands outstretched to be telling the crowd to back off.
And the crowd presses in, and the security guards leave with the heavily armed riot police that are standing in the stairway. Obviously with the furniture piled up on the other side of the door this was viewed as a critical entrance. I think those riot police could have done more - but that’s easy for me to say just sitting here.
But an announcement? “Anyone going through these doors will be met with deadly force.” (They have those signs at various military places) Tear gas, pepper spray, etc.
Did you see the interview of the kid who was literally right beside Mrs. Babbit when she was shot? I find it very hard to believe he was inclined to violence. At least not before this.