Trump Pardons 1,500 January 6 Rioters, Commutes Sentences of 14 Including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Leaders

Jan 21, 2025, 06:00 AM

President Donald Trump, on his first day back in the White House, issued a sweeping pardon for approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The pardons extend to those convicted of assaulting police officers during the event. Trump described the pardoned individuals as 'hostages' and expressed hope that they would be released immediately. Additionally, he commuted the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the far-right extremist groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, such as Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes. The move fulfills a campaign promise made by Trump and marks a significant action in his second term as president.