I think they actually are scared. They don't have guns, and are up against one of the most sophisticated surveillance states in history. Granted, it's run by a bunch of clowns (to put it kindly) but it is one hell of an ask to try to figure out where to start.
My surprise lies in the fact that the intelligence agencies didn't see this coming and plan out the response should certain thresholds be crossed. But fuck it, at the end of the day the constitution is just a set of agreed upon ideas. Enforced by force.
Project 2025 was out there, but no one believed the Dems. The Dems should have put laws in place that if Trump did not use congress, he was to be arrested and gaoled. They could and should have thrown in gaol years ago. But even Harris said she was shocked at the roadblocks crumbling.
What an absolute mess. We are going to have to get midevil and barbaric if we have any chance of getting this back. And soon.