At CPAC, Pardoned Jan. 6 Defendants Reframe Narrative, Some Claiming ‘National Hero’ Status
Following Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the first significant conservative meeting showcased a symbolic return: pardoned January 6 rioters. Some, convicted of assaulting law enforcement during the Capitol storming four years prior, were celebrated as heroes by the party’s base.
Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist, exclaimed “The J6ers are here at CPAC!” on Thursday, met with enthusiastic cheers at the Conservative Political Action Conference. The annual event has often promoted Trump’s false narrative portraying all riot participants as victims of entrapment or unfair prosecution. However, this year’s CPAC embraced this idea more strongly, particularly after Trump granted clemency to all J6 rioters upon returning to office.
During a Friday panel discussion titled “The J6 sham,” conservative commentator Julie Kelly expressed gratitude for Trump’s pardons, highlighting a growing sense of unity among those who stormed the Capitol and their supporters. “Now it’s cool,” she stated. “Everyone’s like, free the J6ers! It’s the cause of the day, but it wasn’t back then.”
The atmosphere at the four-day National Harbor gathering, featuring speeches from the Vice President and Elon Musk, a Trump ally, contrasted with the rest of the nation. A new poll revealed over 80% of Americans oppose pardons for those convicted of violent crimes, and slightly over half disagree with pardons for nonviolent offenses. Yet, CPAC was filled with a sense of triumph. Several pardoned rioters were interviewed on Bannon’s “War Room” show within the CPAC complex. For many, this year’s CPAC signified vindication. “We became celebrities here. It’s weird,” said Brian Mock, convicted of six felonies and five misdemeanors, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. Some suggested they would seek financial compensation for their prison time.
Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, and other pardoned rioters walked the event’s halls, engaging with attendees and taking photos. On Friday afternoon, they held a press conference on the Capitol grounds’ east side, celebrating their clemency and chanting “USA” in a jovial mood. “Get over it,” stated Joe Biggs, a former Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 17 years. “We’re here.” (Tarrio was arrested after the press conference for simple assault against a counter protestor, according to the U.S. Capitol Police.)
However, the Jan. 6 celebration surrounding CPAC wasn’t without controversy. Some pardoned rioters claimed they were denied entry, sparking outrage on social media. Richard Barnett, known for putting his feet on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk during the riot, said he was among those initially refused entry, despite being pardoned. “I am considered a national hero,” Barnett stated in a social media video. “I’m a J6er and I have an unlimited, unconditional presidential pardon from President Trump… I went when he called me, I stood up. I spent all this time in prison for my country.”
“I don’t understand why CPAC would do this to me,” he added. Rhodes was also initially denied entry, triggering online complaints from supporters who saw it as a betrayal. CPAC responded quickly. In a statement Thursday morning, CPAC denied rejecting individuals due to their Jan. 6 involvement. “It is untrue that we are not allowing people to come to CPAC because of their involvement with J6,” the statement read. “In fact, CPAC has been a constant supporter of this persecuted community and we support wholeheartedly President Trump’s pardons of the J6 victims.” By afternoon, the pardoned rioters were granted access, and the celebration continued.
Even as the J6ers enjoyed their newfound celebrity, their actions continue to affect the broader political discussion. While Trump often mentioned pardoning some Capitol riot defendants during his campaign, many allies predicted he wouldn’t extend this to those charged with violent felony crimes like assaulting officers, using deadly weapons, rioting, or destroying government property. Trump ultimately issued a broad pardon covering nearly 1,600 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 attack, drawing criticism from law enforcement and some Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally, said it was a “mistake” to pardon “people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently.” During his FBI Director confirmation hearing last month, Kash Patel disagreed with Trump’s decision to commute the sentences “of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement.”
While the J6ers had their moment in the spotlight, the broader Republican Party might need to address its changing identity. Indeed, many at CPAC viewed the pardons as correcting a wrong, echoing the rhetoric of Trump loyalists like Bannon, who celebrated the pardons as a victory over a “deep state” that unjustly targeted conservatives. “It took tremendous courage for President Trump to do that,” Bannon said.