Donald Trump has pledged pardons for a majority of the defendants convicted or charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. These individuals are responsible for brutally attacking law enforcement personnel—leading to the death of 5 and over 140 injured— and attempting to block the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
The defendants set to be pardoned include:
Zachary Alam, who played a significant role in breaching the Speaker's Lobby. In September 2023, Alam was convicted on eight felony counts, notably for assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a dangerous weapon, in addition to multiple misdemeanor charges.
Farhad and Farbod Azari, a father and son duo, convicted of assaulting officers with deadly weapons. On January 6, 2021, Farhad and Farbod repeatedly confronted law enforcement personnel. They helped dismantle barriers and bike racks that hindered the crowd's progress.
Daniel Ball, accused of using an explosive device against law enforcement, causing serious injury. Ball was arrested in May 2023 and charged with several felonies and misdemeanors. The felony charges include “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon” and “using fire or an explosive to commit any felony.”
Dominic Box, charged with several felonies for his role in the day's violence. Box was originally charged with four misdemeanors. After Box reportedly rejected a plea deal, prosecutors added three felony counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress and two counts of civil disorder.
Steven Cappuccio, a military veteran, sentenced for assaulting officers using a dangerous weapon. In November 2023, Cappuccio received an 85-month prison sentence following his conviction on six felony charges, one of which included the assault, resistance, or obstruction of certain officers with the use of a dangerous weapon.
The defendants’ actions, fueled by false narratives of election fraud and calls to "fight like hell" from Trump himself, led to one of the most severe breaches of U.S. Capitol security in history.
