Trump Pardons Over 1500 Jan 6 Rioters
Updated (January 20, 2025)
President Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1500 January 6th rioters and commuted the sentences for 14 others. These defendants were convicted for their roles in the January 6th attack on the Capitol that resulted in the death of five Capitol Police officers and more than 140 law enforcement officers being injured.
During the attack, defendants attacked police with a wide array of weapons, including firearms, stun guns, flagpoles, fire extinguishers, batons, a metal whip, bear spray, a tomahawk ax, a hatchet, and more.
Because of the extreme violence displayed on January 6th, many Republicans believed some rioters should not be pardoned. However, when it came down to deciding who should receive pardons or clemency, Trump decided, "F -k it: Release 'em all," according to an advisor familiar with the decision.
Among those whose sentences were commuted were members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, convicted of seditious conspiracy. Additionally, Trump issued "a full, complete, and unconditional pardon" to all others convicted of crimes related to the events at or near the Capitol on January 6.
This fulfills Trump's campaign promise to pardon January 6th rioters convicted of sedition, conspiracy, and assault against law enforcement.
"I will look very, very favorably about full pardons. If I decide to run and if I win, I will be looking very, very strongly about pardons. Full pardons," Trump said on the campaign trail, adding: "We'll be looking very, very seriously at full pardons because we can't let that happen. ... And I mean full pardons with an apology to many."
More than 1583 people were charged with crimes related to January 6; 608 people had pleaded guilty to their crimes.
Trump may still issue an official apology to the defendants.