WASHINGTON: President Trump pardoned around 1,500 people involved in the Capitol siege four years ago.
This included Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. Trump called them “patriots” and “hostages” during a signing ceremony on Monday.
The order granted unconditional pardons to all convicted for crimes related to January 6, 2021. Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, and Rhodes, sentenced to 18 years, are among those set for release.
Trump also commuted sentences for 14 others and directed the Justice Department to drop pending cases tied to the Capitol attack.
Rhodes’ sentence came after a judge warned he posed an ongoing threat to democracy.
The attack on January 6 injured more than 140 police officers, marking one of the largest assaults on law enforcement in U.S. history. Officers faced chemical sprays and physical attacks while defending the Capitol.
Prosecutors presented evidence of Rhodes’ statements, including calls for civil war and armed defense. Tarrio was not at the Capitol but supported the violence online, praising the rioters and encouraging their actions.
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Trump’s actions undo years of Justice Department work on the Capitol riot investigation. Prosecutors used photos, videos, and phone data to identify suspects.
Judges in Washington often imposed lighter sentences than prosecutors requested but resisted efforts to rewrite the day’s history.
In his first speech after being sworn into office on Monday, Trump declared a “national energy emergency” to expand oil and gas drilling. He also announced plans to scrap vehicle emissions standards, calling them an “electric vehicle mandate.” He vowed to curb wind farms, which he frequently criticizes.
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for second time. Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 after his first inauguration. Yet the accord, signed by 195 parties in 2015, remains strong.