The pardons of January 6 assailants still angers many

Trump’s decision erases the legal consequences for the majority of the 1,590 individuals charged in connection with the riot. However, 14 individuals, including members of the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, had their sentences reduced without receiving a pardon. Their actions remain on their criminal record, even though they have been released from federal prisons.

Faithful to his campaign promise, Donald Trump ordered the release of all participants in the January 6 riot at the American Capitol.

He granted a pardon to those who had not committed violent acts and commuted the sentences of those convicted of serious crimes, including violence, such as brutally attacking Capitol police officers, as well as conspiracy to overthrow the government.

It should be noted that among the 1,590 accused, 284 individuals have been charged with assaulting, resisting, or obstructing officers or employees, including 99 for using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious injuries to an officer. Additionally, 11 individuals have been arrested on charges related to the assault of media members or the destruction of their equipment.

Additionally, more than 295 individuals have been charged with corrupting, obstructing, or influencing an official proceeding, or attempting to do so. About 50 individuals have also been charged with conspiracy, including obstruction of a Congressional proceeding, interference with law enforcement during a civil disorder, conspiracy to injure an officer, or seditious conspiracy, or a combination of these offenses. In total, more than 600 people have been charged with assaulting or obstructing law enforcement during the riot, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Justice.

This last category notably includes members of the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

Approximately 860 people have been charged with entering or remaining in a restricted federal building or grounds, including 91 for entering with a dangerous or deadly weapon. Additionally, 59 individuals have been charged with destruction of public property and 36 for theft of government property.

This represents a huge advantage for these criminals, some of whom, sentenced to over 20 years, will now find themselves free as a bird.

His family has strongly criticized Trump’s decision, stating: “We hope that the truth about this tragic day will endure, regardless of partisan political goals. We are proud of our son’s defense of American democracy and the ongoing efforts of his colleagues to protect the seat of government and the Constitution. Our thoughts are with them as they confront the events that occurred, and we pray they find the strength and courage to continue their essential mission.”

Among those released is Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, who was released on January 21 after spending the last three years at the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland.

Many concerns remain regarding the impact of these pardons, with some fearing that they may encourage individuals to replicate such actions in honor of Trump should a similar opportunity arise in the future. Following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, five people lost their lives, including Officer Brian Sicknick, who passed away from two strokes just hours after being assaulted while trying to protect the Capitol.