In a controversial move on his first day back in office, U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned more than 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, fulfilling a campaign promise to support his followers involved in the violent attack.
According to the AFP, Trump also ordered the dismissal of all ongoing criminal cases tied to the incident.
Among those pardoned were Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, the head of the Oath Keepers.
Tarrio, who had received a 22-year sentence for orchestrating a military-style assault on the Capitol, was granted a full pardon. Rhodes, sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy, had his sentence commuted to time served.
Referring to the rioters as “hostages,” Trump defended his decision during a White House signing ceremony.
“These are patriots who were wrongfully imprisoned for standing up for our democracy,” he said. “We hope they’re reunited with their families tonight.”
The January 6 riot saw Trump supporters storm Congress in an attempt to block the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory.
More than 1,580 individuals faced charges related to the violence, which injured over 140 police officers and caused widespread destruction.
Trump, who had described the day as a “day of love,” repeatedly promised during his campaign to pardon participants in the attack. Critics have accused him of minimizing the violence and undermining the justice system.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the pardons as “a betrayal of the brave officers who defended our Capitol.”
She added, “This is a slap in the face to our democracy and to the men and women who endured physical and emotional scars while protecting the peaceful transfer of power.”
The pardons included nine members of the Oath Keepers and five members of the Proud Boys who had been serving prison sentences.
Trump also extended “full, complete, and unconditional” pardons to all individuals convicted in connection with the riot.
The decision has reignited controversy over Trump’s role in the events of January 6.
Despite being charged by special counsel Jack Smith for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results, the case against Trump was dropped before his inauguration under the Justice Department’s policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
Before leaving office, outgoing President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to key allies and family members, shielding them from potential legal action under the new administration.
Among those pardoned were Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and members of Biden’s immediate family. “These attacks were politically motivated,” Biden stated. “I’ve taken this step to protect those closest to me from undue persecution.”
Biden’s actions also extended to notable figures like former Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney and members of the congressional committee that investigated the Capitol attack. Cheney, a vocal Trump critic, was among those receiving clemency.
Both Trump’s and Biden’s pardons have sparked significant debate, underscoring the lasting political and legal divisions surrounding the events of January 6.
