As the January 6 Capitol Riot Anniversary Approaches, Trump’s Pardon Promises Stir Debate

With the fourth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot on the horizon, lawmakers are contemplating the ramifications of President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to pardon many individuals charged in relation to the events of that day, which involved over 1,500 people.

Trump has declared his intention to issue these pardons on his first day in office, slated for January 20. During a recent appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he remarked, “I’ll likely proceed quickly with this,” asserting that “these individuals have endured significant hardship.” He also indicated a willingness to evaluate each case individually, particularly regarding those he considers excessively radical.

This promise looms over Monday’s gathering, where lawmakers will convene to certify a presidential election for the first time since 2021, when the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters, disrupting the certification process for Joe Biden’s victory.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has been in talks with Trump, pushing for pardons for all individuals involved in the siege. While her views aren’t universally shared among Republicans, there’s a consensus that Trump should evaluate pardons on a case-by-case basis.

“Nearly four years have passed. Many of these people have been behind bars since 2021. Even those who were violent towards Capitol Police or inflicted damage should be pardoned and released, in my opinion,” Greene stated. She criticized the lengthy sentences some have received, arguing it reflects a two-tiered justice system that needs reform.

To date, over 1,250 individuals have either pleaded guilty or been found guilty regarding the January 6 events, with more than 650 facing prison sentences ranging from just days to as long as 22 years.

Many of the rioters echoed Trump’s false claims of electoral fraud during the chaos. Some even issued threats to prominent politicians, notably then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and then-Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to challenge Biden’s victory. Lawmakers who had evacuated returned later that evening to continue their duties.

The potential for pardons has sparked outrage among many law enforcement officials who defended the Capitol. Approximately 140 officers were injured during the riot, which outgoing U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves described as one of the largest mass assaults on law enforcement in American history.

“You cannot profess to support law enforcement while pardoning those who betrayed that trust, harmed officers, and vandalized the Capitol,” asserted retired Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who left the force due to injuries sustained during the riot.

Even some Republicans in Congress, including those closely aligned with Trump, have indicated that not all individuals involved in the January 6 events should be treated uniformly. Rep. Jim Jordan, a key Trump ally and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, voiced support for some pardons but stressed the need for differentiation.

“For those who did not engage in violence, I believe there’s broad support for that,” Jordan said, emphasizing a more nuanced approach.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., echoed this sentiment, advocating for individual evaluations. However, he hesitated when asked if those who assaulted Capitol police should be considered for pardons.

“I would need to assess the specifics. Attacking U.S. Capitol Police is a serious matter,” he responded.

Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., pointed out that not all charges carry the same weight, differentiating between trespassers and those who caused property damage in the Capitol. He believes Trump will carefully consider individual cases before making any decisions.

“We should never condone assaults on police officers,” Johnson added.

House Democrats, who led Trump’s impeachment related to January 6 and carried out thorough investigations, have warned that such pardons could severely undermine the rule of law and national security. Members of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys have also been convicted of serious crimes connected to the insurrection.

“Anyone who values peace and security should be alarmed at the thought of pardoning those who assaulted law enforcement while doing their jobs,” cautioned Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chaired the investigative committee that concluded Trump “ignited the fire” for the insurrection.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who managed Trump’s second impeachment trial, asserted that if pardons are to be granted, those individuals should demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to public safety.

“Any actions by these individuals will reflect back on soon-to-be President Donald Trump,” Raskin warned.

Likewise, lawmakers who were present during the attack, having narrowly escaped the mob’s wrath, hold strong opinions about the possibility of pardons.

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., who found himself trapped in the House gallery as rioters attempted to breach the area, remarked that it would be “extremely challenging” for him and others if Trump follows through with the pardons.

“I strive to remain composed and disciplined, but that would be incredibly difficult,” Himes admitted. “Many of us have endured deeply personal experiences connected to those currently serving sentences or facing conviction.”

—Reporting by Mary Clare Jalonick of the Associated Press contributed to this article.