On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned over 1,500 supporters who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot aimed at overturning the 2020 election results.
Shortly after taking office, Trump also ordered the dismissal of all ongoing criminal cases against those involved in the Capitol disturbances.
Notably, Enrique Tarrio, the former head of the far-right Proud Boys, received a pardon after being sentenced to 22 years in prison for orchestrating a military-style assault on the Capitol. Meanwhile, Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, had his 18-year sentence commuted to time served; both had been found guilty of seditious conspiracy.
At a White House ceremony, Trump referred to the rioters as “hostages” and announced that he had granted “full pardons” to more than 1,500 individuals, expressing hope for their swift return home.
In total, 1,583 individuals faced charges related to the attack on Congress, where Trump supporters sought to impede the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s electoral win. Trump had consistently promised to pardon those involved in the riot, labeling them as “patriots” and “political prisoners.”
Despite the violent events of January 6, which resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers due to clashes with rioters armed with makeshift weapons, Trump has downplayed the violence, even referring to it as a “day of love.”
The riot followed a passionate speech by Trump to a large crowd of his supporters near the White House, during which he reiterated false claims of winning the 2020 election and urged the crowd to march on Congress.
Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denounced the pardons, deeming them “an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who endured physical and emotional trauma while safeguarding the Capitol.” She expressed dismay that Trump prioritized abandoning police officers who had risked their lives to uphold the peaceful transition of power.
Trump faced charges from special counsel Jack Smith for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, but the case was not pursued before trial and was dropped, in line with the Justice Department’s policy on not prosecuting a sitting president.
On Monday, Trump issued “full, complete and unconditional pardons” to all convicted for their role in the riots and mandated the immediate release of those still incarcerated. Additionally, Trump commuted the sentences of nine Oath Keepers, including Rhodes, and five Proud Boys.
In a separate move, before leaving office, President Biden provided preemptive pardons to former Covid advisor Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and family members to shield them from what he described as “politically motivated prosecutions” from the Trump administration. He also extended similar pardons to former Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney and members of the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot.
Before Trump’s inauguration, Biden announced pardons for his brother James Biden, sister Valerie Biden Owens, and others in his family, stating that they faced persistent attacks and threats driven by partisan motivations. “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end,” Biden concluded.
