Trump Grants Pardons to January 6 Rioters, Including Assault on Police
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Synopsis
President Trump has granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including members of far-right groups. His clemency actions have led to backlash from law enforcement and victims of the riot.
Key Takeaways
- Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals linked to the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Included are members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
- Full pardons were granted, along with commutations for certain sentences.
- The directive halts approximately 300 pending cases.
- Responses include both support and outrage from various groups.
Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) President Donald Trump has granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals implicated in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol incident, encompassing members of the Proud Boys and various other far-right organizations.
This extensive proclamation, signed on Monday, provides "full, complete, and unconditional" pardons to nearly all individuals found guilty or charged in relation to the riot, while also instructing the Justice Department to dismiss around 300 pending cases.
The Capitol assault, which ensued after Trump's remarks claiming election fraud and prompting his supporters to march to Congress, disrupted the certification process of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.
This violent incident caused significant chaos, injuries, and destruction, leading to charges that range from trespassing to severe felonies, including seditious conspiracy and assaults on law enforcement personnel.
During a statement from the Oval Office, Trump referred to those convicted and charged as "hostages," stating, "Approximately 1,500 for a pardon – full pardon. We hope they come out tonight."
His extensive clemency exceeds the expectations of many, including GOP leaders and advisors who had recommended limiting pardons to nonviolent offenders, according to reports from CNN.
Among those granted pardons are individuals convicted of assaulting police officers and obstructing law enforcement. This group includes Julian Khater, who attacked US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick with chemical spray; Devlyn Thompson, who struck an officer with a metal baton; and Robert Palmer, who assaulted officers using a fire extinguisher and other items.
Additionally, Trump commuted the sentences of 14 far-right extremists, including members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who faced charges or convictions for seditious conspiracy.
This group includes Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader, who was serving a 22-year sentence — the longest sentence associated with January 6. Tarrio's attorney has confirmed his upcoming release from a federal prison in Louisiana.
The directive also requires the dismissal of all pending cases linked to the Capitol incident, which encompasses around 300 cases still under prosecution, effectively ceasing further legal actions against these defendants.
While Trump's decisions have been welcomed by his supporters, they have faced criticism from law enforcement and others impacted by the riot. Former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who was assaulted during the riot, expressed his anger and told CNN that he felt "betrayed" by the nation.
