US President Donald Trump pardoned nearly all individuals charged for their involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which aimed to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory, Reuters reports.
The pardons cover over 1,500 people, excluding only 14, primarily from the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose sentences were commuted. Notable figures pardoned include Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, and others convicted of assaulting police officers. Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, had his 18-year sentence commuted.
Trump defended his actions, calling the investigations into the riot a “grave national injustice” and framing the pardons as a step toward “national reconciliation.” Critics argue the move sends a dangerous message, encouraging future political violence.
