Police records and news reports

VP JD Vance Defends Trump's 1,500 Pardons for January 6 Rioters, Including Violent Offenders

Jan 26, 2025, 04:44 PM

Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump's decision to issue 1,500 pardons to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including those convicted of violent offenses. In his first interview since becoming vice president on CBS's 'Face the Nation,' Vance argued that the Justice Department under Merrick Garland had denied constitutional protections and applied double standards in the prosecutions related to the riot. Despite previously stating that those who committed violence should not be pardoned, Vance clarified that there were 'gray areas' and maintained that the pardons were necessary to rectify a wrong, asserting that President Trump made the right decision by considering the 1,600 cases on a 'case-by-case basis.' Vance specifically mentioned cases like that of Daniel Rodriguez, who used an electro-shock weapon against a police officer and was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months, and Ronald McAbee, who assaulted an officer with brass knuckle gloves, causing a concussion. Vance contrasted these cases with the treatment of Black Lives Matter rioters, noting that over 300 were charged with federal crimes, including 35 for assaulting law enforcement officers.