Trump’s Bold Move: 1,500 Jan. 6 Defendants Granted Pardons

WASHINGTON — In a controversial move, President Donald Trump announced sweeping pardons on Monday evening for nearly all defendants connected to the January 6 Capitol riots. This action effectively erases accountability for individuals who attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

During a press briefing from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that he had signed pardons for nearly 1,500 defendants involved in the attack. He also commuted sentences for several others, citing the need for “further research” on their cases.

“We hope they come out tonight. They’re expecting it,” Trump stated, referring to the defendants awaiting the pardons.

Outside the D.C. Central Detention Facility, families of the defendants began to gather as news of the pardons spread. The White House disclosed that 14 individuals, whose sentences had been commuted, include key figures from right-wing militia groups convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Notable individuals among those pardoned are Stewart Rhodes and Kelly Meggs, leaders of the Oath Keepers, along with members of the Proud Boys such as Joseph Biggs and Ethan Nordean. According to the presidential order, all remaining Jan. 6 defendants convicted of crimes related to the insurrection received a “full, complete and unconditional pardon.”

Trump has previously referred to these defendants in glowing terms, describing them as “hostages,” “patriots,” and “warriors,” making their pardons a focal point at his rallies.

However, former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn condemned the pardons as a “dark day in American history.” In a statement released by the anti-Trump group Courage for America, Dunn declared, “This decision is a betrayal to the officers who were severely injured — and died — as a result of the insurrection. This puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities.”

The Justice Department’s investigation into the attack remains extensive, having charged over 1,580 individuals, with 608 accused of assaulting law enforcement. The incidents resulted in over 140 injuries among police officers and approximately $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol.

To date, about 1,000 individuals have pleaded guilty, with 682 facing misdemeanor charges and 327 charged with felonies. Additionally, over 200 defendants were convicted following contested trials, including 10 who faced seditious conspiracy charges.

Earlier that day, Trump had addressed an expected crowd in the Capitol Visitors Center, promising “action” regarding the January 6 “hostages.” He criticized President Biden for offering preemptive pardons to members of the House select committee that investigated the Capitol attack, labeling them “political thugs.” In a parallel action, Biden also pardoned police officers who testified before the committee, prompting criticism from those who oppose Trump’s decision.

One of the officers, former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, expressed gratitude for Biden’s actions, stating that he “was just doing my job” when the Capitol was attacked. Gonell thanked the President for upholding democracy and providing pardons to loyal Americans during his final moments in office.