In his first executive order, President Trump pardons 1,500 supporters accused of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Trump takes office for a second term.
For the second time, Donald Trump assumes the presidency of the United States.
More than 1,500 people, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, were pardoned by US President Trump for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack. Even in the face of opposition and proof of violent altercations, persons convicted of major crimes are eligible for pardons. Significant injuries and fatalities resulted from the tragedy.
US President Donald Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people accused in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers organizations, as one of his first acts as president of the United States in his second term.
Referring to the convicted and charged prisoners, Trump said from the Oval Office, “These are the hostages.” Trump stated, “We hope they come out tonight.” “About 1,500 for a pardon – full pardon.”
Serious offenses are covered by presidential clemency.
Hundreds of people who were previously convicted of major crimes, such as assaulting police officers and destroying property in an effort to obstruct the process of power transition, are now eligible for presidential clemency.
According to Justice Department statistics, more than 730 people were found guilty of misdemeanors in connection with January 6. As of Monday, there are still about 300 cases pending, and several defendants are charged with serious felonies, such as assault by a police officer.
The effects of the January 6 riot
Over 140 police officers were injured during the seven-hour siege, and four Trump supporters and five police officers were killed directly or indirectly.
With over 1,580 people charged and almost 1,270 convictions obtained, the ensuing FBI and Justice Department investigation grew to become the biggest criminal investigation in US history.
Verdicts and the type of offenses
According to data from the Justice Department, minor offenses like trespassing or disorderly conduct account for 55% of January 6 prosecutions. The majority of guilty people have been released after receiving probation or short jail terms.
Among the defendants are elderly people who were caught in the act as well as those who entered the Capitol for a brief period of time without causing any harm or damage. Many have no criminal history, and many participants say they had no intention of entering the facility or interfering with the certification process for the 2020 election; others even claim that police permitted their admission.
Divergent accounts on January 6
Despite Trump’s claims that January 6 is “a day of love and peace” and that his followers pose “zero threat,” there is copious video proof of violent clashes between demonstrators and police, including physical altercations and attacks with various weapons.
Opposition to pardons
A liberal advocacy group’s petition claims that Craig Sicknick, brother of US Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick, who died during the uprising, has publicly opposed these pardons, saying they allow rioters to “evade responsibility.” CNN reported on this.
Craig Sicknick wrote in the message, “Donald Trump and his loyalists are determined to pardon those responsible — they not only celebrate the deadly mob that killed my brother.”
“It is a betrayal to not only the families and loved ones of those who were injured and killed but to all Americans.”
“There was violence,” Republican Senator Mike Rounds said on Monday. This was anything but tranquil. It was a terrible day for America, and people were in danger. He emphasized looking to the future while accepting the president’s constitutional pardon authority.
