If I may larp for a minute.
Combination of things.
First is that the police and others were deliberately weakened to allow for riots. This was done by pelosi et al. They effectively wanted the riot narrative and hired antifa to instigate a riot.
The thing is… 'we' are Antifa and BLM. So, we modified the script, tapped resources in the police, and turned it into a direct action to steal some intelligence.
The purpose of which is more to announce we had it before, but to make this obvious to powers watching (china et al).
This is why it not only scared them shitless even though it was their idea, but it also led to Pelosi going nuts trying to get launch codes. China has been mobilizing for actions against Taiwan and Russia - so in her mind, she is trying to hold up her end of the deal to keep the President from being able to retaliate.