Back in office, Trump pardons January 6 rioters, overturns Biden policies, and vows rapid progress on his ‘Save America’ plan.
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump used his clemency powers to pardon over 1,500 supporters charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including those accused of assaulting police, effectively halting the Justice Department’s largest investigation and prosecution.
Trump has instructed the attorney general to move for the dismissal of approximately 450 ongoing January 6 cases. While the pardons were anticipated given his yearslong effort to reshape the narrative of the Capitol attack, which injured over 100 police officers and disrupted the transfer of power, the broad scope of clemency delivers a significant setback to the Justice Department’s attempts to ensure accountability for one of America’s darkest days.
Enrique Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, is expected to be released from prison Monday night, according to his attorney. Tarrio, who received a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy after being convicted of leading a failed effort to keep Donald Trump in power following his 2020 election loss, currently holds the longest sentence among January 6 defendants.
Over 1,200 individuals have been convicted in connection with the January 6 riot, including around 250 for assault-related charges. Many defendants who did not participate in the violence or property damage faced misdemeanor trespassing charges, often resulting in minimal or no jail time.
