Jan. 6 Pardons Prompted by Trump Spark Concerns Among Lawmakers “`
WASHINGTON — As the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol attack approaches, lawmakers are preparing for the possibility of President-elect Donald Trump issuing pardons to the over 1,500 individuals charged with crimes related to the riot.
Trump has stated his intention to grant pardons to rioters on his first day in office, January 20th, adding that he might act swiftly, with potential exceptions for those deemed “radical, crazy”.
This pledge, a consistent theme throughout his presidential campaign, casts a shadow over Monday’s events, where lawmakers will certify a presidential election for the first time since the 2021 Capitol breach, which temporarily halted the certification of the election Trump lost to Joe Biden.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) revealed conversations with Trump, advocating for pardons for all participants in the siege. While few Republicans support this extent, many believe a case-by-case review is warranted.
Greene argued that many individuals have served lengthy prison sentences, claiming it’s a two-tiered justice system and that they deserve pardons and release. She cited examples of sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years.
Over 1,250 individuals have pleaded guilty or been convicted in connection with January 6th, with over 650 receiving prison sentences ranging from days to 22 years.
Many rioters echoed Trump’s false claims of election fraud, targeting specific politicians like then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi and then-Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to object to Biden’s win. Lawmakers evacuated during the riot but returned later to complete their work.
Capitol Police officers are particularly angered by the potential pardons, many having suffered injuries while defending the Capitol. Approximately 140 officers were injured, described as “likely the largest single day mass assault of law enforcement” in U.S. history by outgoing U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves.
Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, a retired Capitol Police officer injured during the riot, stated that supporting pardons for individuals who betrayed the trust of law enforcement, injured officers, and ransacked the Capitol is incompatible with being pro-police and upholding the rule of law.
Some Republicans, even Trump allies, suggest a nuanced approach to pardons.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a top Trump ally leading the House Judiciary Committee, supports pardons for non-violent offenders.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) advocated for a case-by-case evaluation of pardons.
However, Bilirakis expressed reservations regarding pardons for those who assaulted Capitol Police officers.
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) differentiated between trespassing and property damage, suggesting Trump would consider individual circumstances.
Johnson emphasized that attacking police officers is unacceptable.
House Democrats, who played a leading role in Trump’s impeachment and investigations related to January 6th, warned of potential far-reaching consequences for the rule of law and national security. This includes members of groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, convicted of seditious conspiracy.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who led the House January 6th Committee, highlighted the offense caused to the 140 law enforcement officers injured during the attack.
Thompson’s committee concluded that Trump “lit the fire” for the insurrection.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), lead impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment, suggested that any pardons should necessitate contrition, repentance, and assurances of no further threat to public safety.
Raskin noted that any future actions by pardoned individuals could reflect negatively on Trump.
Lawmakers present during the attack share the visceral reaction of the police officers, having narrowly escaped harm.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), trapped in the House gallery during the riot, described the potential pardons as “extraordinarily difficult” for him and many others.
—Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.