Trump Pardons Over 1,500 Capitol Rioters On First Day In Office

U.S. President Donald Trump, on his first day back in office, pardoned over 1,500 individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot aimed at overturning the 2020 election results.

Trump also directed the dismissal of all pending criminal cases related to the attack.

Notable figures among the pardoned include Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who was serving a 22-year sentence for orchestrating the assault, and Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, whose 18-year sentence was commuted to time served.

Both men had been convicted of seditious conspiracy.

Tarrio’s 22-year sentence and Rhodes’ 18-year sentence were nullified, with Rhodes’ time already served being recognized.

At a White House ceremony, Trump referred to the rioters as “hostages” while announcing “full pardons” for over 1,500 defendants, stating, “We hope they come out tonight.”

In total, 1,583 people faced charges linked to the Capitol breach, where Trump supporters sought to block the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.

During his campaign, Trump frequently vowed to pardon the rioters, calling them “patriots” and “political prisoners.”

Despite widespread condemnation of the violence, which left over 140 police officers injured, Trump has minimized the events of January 6, even describing the day as a “day of love.”

Rioters used flagpoles, bats, Tasers, and other weapons during the hours-long clashes with law enforcement.