What do you mean, the lunatic fringe of the GOP? The fringe of the GOP are now moderate semi-bipartisans and old-line conservatives. Put to the test during the certification of the election, nearly all failed it. Bullied into kowtowing to save themselves from challenges by other cult members, of COURSE the cult members are going to push their advantages and drive out the impure whenever that dissonance (i.e. failure to adhere to the cult narrative) emerges.
The stupid have never had such an opportunity to gain power and control in their lives, never, because they don't need to act or be smart -- they just need to scream and bully and rabble-rouse. You either support such tactics morally or you don't.