Trump to Pardon January 6 Defendants, Commute Sentences of Violent Offenders

Jan 20, 2025, 07:11 PM

President Donald Trump is preparing to issue a sweeping series of pardons for defendants charged in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to sources cited by ABC News and CNN. The planned actions include commuting the prison sentences of hundreds of his supporters convicted of violent attacks against law enforcement, as well as extending full pardons to those charged with non-violent offenses related to the event. Trump's plans also involve directing the incoming attorney general to dismiss all pending indictments against January 6 defendants whose cases have not yet been fully adjudicated, potentially affecting around 470 ongoing cases. The move is expected to result in the release of hundreds of individuals currently serving time for their actions on that day, including high-profile figures such as Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio.