Official presidential pardon records

Federal Judges Allow 11 Capitol Riot Defendants to Attend Trump's Inauguration, Deny 7 Amid Potential Pardons

Jan 18, 2025, 06:00 PM

Federal judges have granted permission to some defendants involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot to attend Donald Trump's second inauguration in Washington, D.C. Out of at least 20 defendants who requested to attend the event, 11 have received approval, while 7 were denied. The Justice Department prosecutors argued against allowing these individuals back to the scene of their alleged crimes, citing potential risks. Among those permitted to attend is Deborah Lynn Lee from Pennsylvania, convicted of four misdemeanors related to the riot, and a New York couple, Carol and Kevin Moore, awaiting trial. Judges emphasized that the nature of the inauguration differs significantly from the riot, focusing on the peaceful transition of power. Trump has hinted at issuing mass pardons to Capitol rioters on his first day back in office, which could impact the legal status of those attending the inauguration.