Trump pardons 1,500 involved in January 6 Capitol riot
On Monday, President Donald Trump issued pardons to roughly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol.
This action was seen as a major show of support for those who participated in the violent assault on police officers, as they attempted to stop lawmakers from certifying Trump’s 2020 election loss.
“We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” Trump remarked, hinting at the expected release of the pardoned individuals. He also noted that six individuals would have their sentences shortened.
This move was part of a campaign promise by the former president to support his followers who had faced legal repercussions for their roles in the Capitol riot—a failed attempt to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.
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Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys group, was among those expected to benefit from the pardons. His lawyer indicated that Tarrio, who is serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, might be released from federal prison. Similarly, the lawyer for Joe Biggs, another Proud Boys member convicted of seditious conspiracy, said Biggs was also being processed for release.
Trump’s actions follow the violent events of January 6, 2021, when thousands of Trump supporters, incited by his rhetoric, attacked the Capitol, clashing with law enforcement and forcing lawmakers, including Vice President Mike Pence, to flee. In the aftermath, nearly 1,600 people were charged for their involvement.
The former president has consistently claimed that many of these individuals have been unjustly treated by the justice system. Speaking to supporters at the Capitol, Trump reiterated that those involved in the riot were “hostages” and promised to help them.
While Trump did not specify the number of pardons, the focus on figures like Tarrio and Biggs suggests that those convicted of the most serious offenses during the Capitol attack could receive clemency. “We’re going to release our great hostages that didn’t do — for the most part — they didn’t do stuff wrong,” Trump said, despite many of those charged having admitted to or been convicted of criminal conduct.
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