President Trump signed an executive order in June to "prosecute to the fullest extent permitted under federal law" those who vandalize government property.
The order was a strong-man tactic to punish Black Lives Matter protesters who tear down Confederate statues. Because, for some reason, he felt the need to protect statues celebrating an insurgency the United States vanquished in 1865.
"I just had the privilege of signing a very strong Executive Order protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues - and combatting recent Criminal Violence," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Long prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country!"
Federal law allows 10 years in prison as maximum punishment for such vandalism.
However, it appears as though the order may backfire on the president, resulting in harsh sentences for his supporters that stormed the capitol building on Wednesday.
After all, the capitol building is federal property.
It's ironic that the law he enacted to punish those who protested him could wind up resulting in maximum sentences for those who rioted in his honor.
Trump clearly supports their act of sedition. "We love you, you're very special," he told the domestic terrorists in a Wednesday address.
Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen says the capitol rioters will "face the full consequences of their actions under the law" and law enforcement agencies have already begun the hunt for them.
"Our criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department, and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators and charge federal crimes where warranted," Rosen said in a statement on Thursday.
"Some participants in yesterday's violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law," Rosen continued.
With two weeks left in his presidency, Trump will be long gone before any of the rioters have the chance to be pardoned by the president. So they'll be at the mercy of the Biden's administration which won't look kindly on those who tried to overthrow his election.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.