This is not (or shouldn't be) a controversial issue. Trump et.al. went way beyond "free speech." They actively conspired, and took concrete steps, to overthrow

This is not (or shouldn't be) a controversial issue. Trump et.al. went way beyond "free speech." They actively conspired, and took concrete steps, to overthrow a presidential election. That's like saying, if I recruit some friends to plot a murder, and even attempt it, I'm protected by "free speech." And anyway, "free speech" only enjoins the government from prohibiting speech. It does not protect the consequences of that speech, such as the classic example of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.