Donald Trump supporters involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack have begun leaving prison following a sweeping pardon issued by the newly inaugurated president on Monday. The move has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers who were endangered during the riot, which sought to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
The pardons, which effectively nullify the legal consequences for all but 14 of the nearly 1,590 charged, were coupled with Trump’s directive to the attorney general to dismiss all pending cases related to the attack. “These people have been destroyed,” Trump said upon returning to the Oval Office. “What they’ve done to these people is outrageous.”
Critics, including Grant Tudor of Protect Democracy, warned that the pardons could embolden future acts of violence. “These pardons will license future lawbreaking,” Tudor said.
The order also commuted sentences for nine Oath Keepers and five Proud Boys, including high-profile figures like Stewart Rhodes, who had been sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy, and Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader who had received a 22-year sentence. Lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi, labeled the move an insult to the justice system and a betrayal of the Capitol’s defenders.
The riots resulted in assaults on roughly 140 police officers, several deaths, and lasting trauma for many. Trump, who faced impeachment and condemnation for his role in the events, has now reignited national debate with his controversial decision to absolve those involved in one of the darkest days in U.S. history.
Source: Swifteradio.com
