Court records or credible news reports confirming re-arrests

Trump Pardons Nearly 1,600 Capitol Rioters, Including Far-Right Leaders, Draws Criticism

Jan 26, 2025, 02:32 PM

President Donald Trump has issued pardons for nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including those convicted of violent crimes. Among the pardoned are prominent figures from far-right groups such as Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, both of whom had been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for seditious conspiracy. Trump's decision to pardon these individuals has drawn criticism from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who described the move as 'a mistake' on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' Graham expressed concern that the pardons could encourage further violence, suggesting that they imply acceptance of violent acts against law enforcement. The pardons have also been criticized by law enforcement organizations and former Capitol Police sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who highlighted the release of those he testified against during the trials.