An explosion from a police munition as Trump supporters gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021| Photo: Reuters
Washington: In a sweeping move on Monday, President Donald Trump granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, including members of the Proud Boys and other far-right groups.
The presidential proclamation, which offers "full, complete, and unconditional" pardons, impacts nearly all individuals convicted or charged for their involvement in the riot. Trump also directed the Justice Department to dismiss around 300 pending cases related to the attack.
The assault on the U.S. Capitol, which followed Trump’s speech alleging election fraud and urging his supporters to march to Congress, disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory. The chaos resulted in injuries, destruction, and a range of charges from trespassing to serious felonies, including seditious conspiracy and assaults on law enforcement.
In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump referred to those convicted as "hostages," adding, "Approximately 1,500 for a pardon – full pardon. We hope they come out tonight."
The move far exceeds expectations, even among GOP leaders and advisers who had initially suggested limiting pardons to nonviolent offenders. Notably, individuals convicted of assaulting police officers were among those pardoned, including Julian Khater, who attacked Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick with chemical spray; Devlyn Thompson, who struck an officer with a metal baton; and Robert Palmer, who assaulted officers with a fire extinguisher and other objects.
Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 far-right extremists, including members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, convicted or charged with seditious conspiracy. Among them is Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who had been serving a 22-year sentence – the longest sentence related to January 6. Tarrio’s attorney confirmed his imminent release from a federal prison in Louisiana.
In addition to the pardons, the order mandates the dismissal of all pending legal cases related to the Capitol attack, effectively halting legal actions against around 300 defendants still under prosecution.
While Trump’s decision has been celebrated by his supporters, it has sparked backlash, particularly from law enforcement and those affected by the riot. Former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who was assaulted during the attack, expressed his outrage, stating he felt "betrayed" by the country.
With IANS inputs