Democrats Push Back Against Trump’s Anticipated Pardons for Jan. 6 Defendants

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin addressed the public on Thursday, urging a demand for accountability from President-elect Donald Trump regarding any potential pardons for January 6 defendants. Trump has suggested he may issue such pardons on his first day in office, an action Raskin describes as unprecedented in American history.

Raskin, who served on the Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighted the severity of pardoning over 1,000 individuals convicted of participating in a violent insurrection instigated by Trump. He emphasized the need for a clear demonstration of remorse from each person seeking a pardon, stating, “People should demand a very specific accounting of how there is contrition and repentance.” He will serve as the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in the upcoming Congress.

During a virtual event organized by State Democracy Defenders Action, a nonpartisan group advocating against election interference, Raskin expressed his concerns. Trump has referred to the January 6 rioters as “patriots” and has committed to hastily granting pardons, suggesting he might consider exceptions for those he deems “radical” or “crazy.”

The attack on the Capitol resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers and inflicted approximately $2.8 million in damages. The Department of Justice has charged around 1,572 individuals linked to the incident, with 171 facing accusations of using dangerous weapons against law enforcement.

Among those sentenced is Thomas Webster, a 56-year-old former Marine and police officer, who received a 10-year prison term for assaulting a police officer during the riot. Raskin noted this case exemplifies the violent challenges faced by law enforcement that day. He mentioned that many officers have publicly criticized the brutal violence directed at them.

As per the latest Justice Department records, nearly 996 defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges linked to the insurrection, with significant numbers facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Additionally, courts have found approximately 215 defendants guilty after contested trials, including 10 for seditious conspiracy.