Trump Pardons 1,500 Capitol Rioters, Including Far-Right Leaders

By M Muzamil Shami - January 21, 2025

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned over 1,500 of his supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, an event aimed at overturning the 2020 presidential election results.

Shortly after taking office, Trump ordered all pending criminal cases against Capitol riot defendants to be dropped. Among those pardoned were Enrique Tarrio, the ex-leader of the Proud Boys, sentenced to 22 years for organizing the assault, and Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, whose 18-year sentence was commuted to time served.

Describing the rioters as "hostages," Trump said during a White House ceremony, "We’ve granted full pardons to these patriots who suffered unjustly."

A total of 1,583 individuals faced charges for storming Congress to block the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. Trump, who had vowed during his campaign to pardon the rioters, referred to them as "political prisoners."

The Capitol riot left over 140 police officers injured in violent clashes involving flagpoles, hockey sticks, and bear spray. Despite widespread condemnation, Trump downplayed the incident as a "day of love."

'An Insult to Justice'

Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denounced the pardons as "an outrageous insult to justice and the officers who defended democracy."

"This decision abandons those who risked their lives to protect the Capitol and undermines our justice system," Pelosi said.

Trump's pardons also included nine Oath Keepers and five Proud Boys members whose sentences were commuted.

'Shielding Political Allies'

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for key figures, including Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and family members, to protect them from "politically motivated prosecutions."

Biden also extended similar pardons to former Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney and members of the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot.

"My family and allies have endured relentless attacks meant to harm me through partisan politics," Biden stated, explaining the rationale behind his last-minute pardons.