Incoming Vice President Vance supports pardons for peaceful Jan. 6 protestors unjustly prosecuted, excluding those who committed violence. President-elect Trump also intends to issue pardons swiftly, with some exceptions for extreme actions, despite previously minimizing the riot’s severity. However, this stance contrasts sharply with concerns raised by judges, such as Judge Mehta, who highlighted the gravity of some crimes committed that day, specifically mentioning the seditious conspiracy conviction of Stewart Rhodes. The potential for pardons remains a contentious issue, with significant disagreement over the criteria for leniency.
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Following President Trump’s reelection, victims of the January 6th Capitol riot express feelings of betrayal as he characterizes the rioters as “political prisoners” and advocates for their pardons. Trump’s actions, including playing a jailhouse rendition of the national anthem by Jan. 6th defendants at a campaign rally, are deeply upsetting to those who suffered injuries, including Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who required surgeries and early retirement due to the violence. The minimization of the attack, described by the Justice Department as domestic terrorism, is compounded by Republican lawmakers downplaying the event’s severity and the possibility of pardons for those convicted of assaulting officers. This disregard for the officers’ sacrifices and the rewriting of history surrounding the event leaves victims feeling abandoned and unheard.
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John Q. Hosedrinker