United States President Donald Trump has granted clemency to everyone charged over the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, wiping the slate clean for about 1,500 of his supporters and commuting the sentences of 14 others. This move was described as a way to end a “grave national injustice” and promote national reconciliation. Among those who received clemency were high-profile figures like Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers.
The decision to pardon those involved in the attack drew swift condemnation from Democrats and others, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling it an insult to the justice system and the heroes who protected the Capitol. The attack on January 6 resulted in injuries to more than 140 police officers and economic losses of $2.8m, with over 1,200 people convicted of various offences.
While Trump had promised to pardon many of the January 6 defendants during his re-election campaign, it was unclear how far he would go in extending clemency. Critics expressed outrage over the decision, noting that those involved in violence should not be pardoned. Despite the backlash, the pardons were seen as a way to support those who had been in prison for a long time and were facing what Trump described as “outrageous” treatment.
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