On his first day back in office, U.S. President Donald Trump issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which sought to overturn the 2020 election results. He also ordered the dismissal of all pending criminal cases related to the attack.
Among those pardoned were Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers. Tarrio had been serving a 22-year sentence for orchestrating the assault, while Rhodes had received an 18-year sentence, which was commuted to time served.
At a White House ceremony, Trump described the rioters as “hostages” and announced “full pardons” for over 1,500 defendants, declaring, “We hope they come out tonight.” In total, 1,583 individuals had faced charges stemming from the Capitol breach, during which Trump supporters attempted to block the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to pardon those involved in the riot, referring to them as “patriots” and “political prisoners.” Despite widespread condemnation of the attack—which left over 140 police officers injured—Trump has downplayed the violence, characterizing January 6 as a “day of love.” Rioters wielded flagpoles, bats, Tasers, and other weapons during the clashes with law enforcement.
