U.S. President Donald Trump, on Monday, issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. The move came just hours after Trump took office for his second term, fulfilling a campaign promise he made to pardon those charged in connection with the violent assault on Congress.
Among those granted clemency were Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. Tarrio had been serving a 22-year sentence for organizing the attack, while Rhodes had received 18 years for seditious conspiracy. Both men saw their sentences commuted to time served.
During a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump referred to the rioters as “hostages” and announced their release. “We hope they come out tonight, frankly,” he stated. The total number of individuals charged in relation to the attack stands at 1,583, many of whom Trump described as “patriots” and “political prisoners” throughout his campaign.
The Capitol assault, which followed Trump’s rally near the White House, resulted in violent clashes between rioters and law enforcement. More than 140 police officers were injured as rioters wielded makeshift weapons, including flagpoles, bats, and bear spray, while attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Criticism of the pardons was swift. Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the decision, calling it “an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who protected the Capitol.” Pelosi added, “It is shameful that the president has decided to prioritize abandoning and betraying police officers who risked their lives to defend democracy.”
