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Trump Grants Mass Pardons to January 6 Capitol Rioters

By DAYO ADESULU

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued pardons to more than 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, fulfilling a campaign promise to his supporters. The pardons included key figures from far-right groups, as well as lesser-known participants.

Trump also ordered all pending criminal cases against Capitol riot defendants to be dropped, marking a sweeping reversal of the legal actions taken over the past four years.


Key Figures Pardoned

  1. Enrique Tarrio
    • Former leader of the Proud Boys, sentenced to 22 years for organizing the riot. His sentence was fully commuted.
  2. Stewart Rhodes
    • Leader of the Oath Keepers, convicted of seditious conspiracy and serving an 18-year sentence. His sentence was reduced to time served.

Trump described these individuals and others as “political prisoners” and said they were victims of a justice system corrupted by political bias.


Trump’s Remarks

At a White House signing ceremony, Trump referred to the rioters as “hostages” and praised their actions as “patriotic.”
“We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” Trump said, celebrating the pardons.

During his campaign, Trump had repeatedly promised to pardon those involved in the riot, which he has characterized as a “day of love.”


Backlash from Democrats

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the mass pardons as a betrayal of the justice system and the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol.

“It is shameful that the president has decided to make one of his top priorities the abandonment and betrayal of police officers who put their lives on the line,” Pelosi stated.

The January 6 attack left over 140 officers injured, with rioters using weapons such as flagpoles, Tasers, and bear spray.


Legal and Political Implications

  • Special Counsel Case Dropped: A case against Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, led by Special Counsel Jack Smith, was dropped before trial under the Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
  • Broad Pardons Issued: Trump granted “full, complete, and unconditional pardons” to anyone convicted in connection with the January 6 riot and ordered the immediate release of those imprisoned.

Biden’s Preemptive Pardons

Before leaving office, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to several individuals he feared could face retaliation under Trump’s administration, including:

  • Anthony Fauci, former COVID advisor
  • Mark Milley, retired General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • Liz Cheney and other members of the congressional January 6 committee

Biden also extended pardons to his immediate family, citing “unrelenting attacks and threats” driven by partisan motives.


Public Reaction

The dual pardons by Biden and Trump have highlighted the stark divisions in the U.S. political landscape. Critics argue that the moves deepen the country’s polarization, while supporters on both sides see them as necessary measures to protect allies.


 

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