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On First Day, Trump Pardons 1,500 Jan. 6 Defendants, Including Militia Leaders

Jan 21, 2025, 12:59 AM

President Donald Trump, in one of his first official acts as President, signed an executive order in the Oval Office pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump referred to these individuals as 'hostages' and expressed hope that 'they come out tonight.' Among those pardoned is Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who has been released from prison. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 individuals convicted of seditious conspiracy and other serious offenses, including Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers. This action fulfills his campaign promise to release those he considered 'political prisoners.'