Trump’s Blanket Pardon for January 6 Rioters Sparks Controversy
Supporters Celebrate While Capitol Security Calls It a ‘Slap in the Face’
In a sweeping executive order, U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned all individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots. The decision led to the release of hundreds of individuals previously found guilty of violent crimes during the 2021 attack, with nearly all charges dropped.
During a press conference at the White House on Monday, Trump defended his decision, stating, “These people have already served years in prison under inhumane conditions. It has been a terrible, terrible ordeal for them.”
The pardon granted the January 6 rioters everything they had sought—except monetary compensation for their imprisonment.
‘Thank You, Mr. Trump’
Scenes of celebration erupted as convicted rioters walked free, with their families and Republican supporters chanting “freedom” in the streets.
Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes, two of the most high-profile January 6 defendants who had received some of the harshest sentences, were among those released.
Zuny Tarrio, mother of Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, expressed her joy on social media, writing, “Our president gave my son and all the J6ers their lives back! They can live again! Breathe fresh air again! Feel the sunshine again!”
Rachel Powell, who had used an ice axe to smash Capitol windows, was heard saying, “Thank you, Mr. Trump,” as she walked free. Speaking to the BBC, Powell added, “He’s a bigger blessing to me than I could ever imagine. He brought my family back together. I am indebted.”
Similarly, Jacob Chansley, the self-proclaimed ‘QAnon Shaman,’ described his release as a moment of triumph. “I screamed ‘freedom’ at the top of my lungs,” Chansley told the BBC. Having served four years behind bars, he insisted, “I regret nothing.” He also confirmed that his criminal record had been expunged and that he planned to purchase firearms again.
‘A Slap in the Face’
While Trump supporters rejoiced, many within Capitol security and law enforcement strongly condemned the blanket pardon. Winston Pingeon, a Capitol Police officer who was assaulted during the riots, called the decision a “slap in the face.”
“It’s truly unprecedented to see violent felons, convicted by a jury of their peers for crimes witnessed by the entire world, now walking free,” Pingeon told the BBC.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who had to seek refuge during the attack, issued a scathing statement. “The president’s actions are an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who bore physical and emotional scars to protect the Capitol, the Congress, and the Constitution.”
She continued, “It is disgraceful that the president has prioritized abandoning and betraying the law enforcement officers who risked their lives to prevent an attempt to overthrow democracy.”
While nearly 1,500 individuals benefited from Trump’s decision, not all convicted rioters embraced the pardon. Pam Hemphill, who served a 60-day sentence for her involvement, rejected it outright.
“We were wrong that day,” Hemphill told the BBC. “Accepting a pardon would only dishonor the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and our nation.” She emphasized that she pleaded guilty because she was, in fact, guilty.