WASHINGTON — On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump granted pardons or commuted sentences to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This sweeping act of clemency included those convicted of seditious conspiracy and assaulting law enforcement officers, effectively overturning a significant prosecution related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Hours after his return to the White House, Trump’s action facilitated the release of numerous individuals convicted of violently assaulting police officers, as well as leaders of far-right extremist groups found guilty of plotting to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election.
These pardons represent the culmination of Trump’s ongoing efforts to reinterpret the January 6th attack, which resulted in injuries to over 100 police officers. Rioters, some armed with various weapons, overwhelmed law enforcement, causing significant damage and forcing lawmakers and staff to seek shelter. While pardons were anticipated, the swiftness and scale of this clemency represent a significant undermining of the Department of Justice’s efforts to hold those involved accountable for what many consider a pivotal moment in American history.
In addition to the pardons, Trump directed the attorney general to seek dismissal of approximately 450 pending cases—part of the largest investigation in the Justice Department’s history.
Referencing the rioters as “patriots” and “hostages,” Trump asserted that they received unfair treatment from the Department of Justice, which also indicted him on federal charges in cases he alleges were politically motivated. He stated that these pardons address a “grave national injustice” and initiate a process of national reconciliation.
Trump’s decision was met with celebrations from supporters and legal representatives of the January 6th defendants, some of whom faced sentences exceeding a decade in prison.
“We are deeply thankful for President Trump for his actions today,” stated James Lee Bright, an attorney representing Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who was serving an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy and other offenses.
The timeline for the release of those currently incarcerated remains unclear. An attorney for Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys national chairman sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, anticipated his client’s release on the same day.
“This marks a pivotal moment in our client’s life, and it symbolizes a turning point for our nation,” attorney Nayib Hassan said in a statement. “We are optimistic for the future, as we now turn the page on this chapter, embracing new possibilities and opportunities.”
Democrats strongly criticized the pardons, particularly those extended to individuals involved in violent acts, many of which were captured and broadcast live. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “an outrageous insult to our justice system and the heroes who suffered physical scars and emotional trauma as they protected the Capitol, the Congress and the Constitution.”
“Donald Trump is ushering in a Golden Age for people that break the law and attempt to overthrow the government,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in an emailed statement.
Former , who lost consciousness and suffered a heart attack after a rioter shocked him with a stun gun, expressed astonishment upon learning from an Associated Press reporter that those who assaulted police officers were among the pardon recipients.
“This is what the American people voted for,” he said. “How do you react to something like that?”
Fanone stated that he has spent the past four years concerned about his safety and his family’s well-being. The pardoning of his attackers exacerbates these fears, he added.
“I think they’re cowards,” he said. “Their strength was in their numbers and the mob mentality. And as individuals, they are who they are.”
Trump had hinted in the weeks preceding his return to the White House that he might review January 6th cases individually rather than issuing blanket pardons. Vice President JD Vance had recently stated that those responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot should not receive pardons.
The pardons follow the Justice Department’s decision to drop its two federal criminal cases against Trump, citing its policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Had Trump lost the 2024 election, he might have faced trial on charges related to 2020 election interference in the same Washington courthouse where over 1,200 of his supporters were convicted of January 6th offenses.
Hundreds of January 6th defendants who did not participate in violence or destruction were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, with many serving minimal or no time.
However, the violence of that day is extensively documented through videos, testimonies, and other evidence presented to judges and juries in the courthouse overlooking the Capitol.
Police officers were attacked and beaten. Rioters employed makeshift weapons, including flagpoles, a crutch, and a hockey stick, to assault police. Investigators documented the presence of firearms, knives, and other weapons within the crowd. Officers described fearing for their lives as rioters subjected them to verbal abuse.
Of the over 1,500 individuals charged, about 250 were convicted after trials, while over 1,000 pleaded guilty. Only two individuals were fully acquitted by judges. No jury has acquitted a Capitol riot defendant.
Over 1,000 rioters have been sentenced, with over 700 receiving prison time. Others received probation, community service, home detention, or fines.