President Trump pardons over 1,500 convicted in 2021 Capitol attack
President Trump pardons Capitol defendants. Includes Proud Boys leaders. It generates divided reactions and controversy.
2025-01-21T23:00:23+00:00
- President Trump pardons Capitol defendants.
- Pardons include Proud Boys leaders.
- It generates divided reactions and controversy.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed a pardon on Monday for those accused of the assault on the Capitol that occurred on January 6, 2021.
This was one of his first executive orders after assuming office.
Trump highlighted that nearly 1,500 people benefited from this measure, whom he described as «hostages.» According to him, «they have been in prison for a long time» and «they are destroyed.»
Those pardoned include members of the extremist organizations Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, responsible for the violent assault on the Capitol.
Enrique Tarrio and the assault on the Capitol: consequences and accusations against Trump

Among the most prominent is Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, who was sentenced to 22 years for «sedition.»
On January 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters stormed Congress, seeking to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
As a result, four people died and more than 140 officers were injured.
The assault was called an attempted insurrection, and Trump was accused of inciting violence by spreading false claims about election fraud.
However, special prosecutor Jack Smith closed the indictment after Trump’s election victory last November.
During the election campaign, Trump promised to pardon the defendants, whom he considered «heroes.»
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More than 730 people have been convicted for their involvement, and about 300 are still awaiting trial, many for violent crimes.
The pardon measure also benefited those who committed minor crimes, such as attacking the police or destroying property, as well as those involved in more serious conspiracies. Trump referred to them as «heroes» and «hostages.»
Among the beneficiaries is also Jake Angeli-Chansley, known for breaking into the Capitol with horns and fur on his head.
He celebrated his pardon on social media, mentioning: «Thank you, President Trump! Now I’m going to buy some fucking weapons!
This pardon generated divided reactions.
Some consider it a populist measure that reinforces Trump’s support among his followers, while others see it as an act that undermines the sacrifice of the police officers who protected the Capitol.
Former Capitol officer Harry Dunn expressed his fury, calling this act a “stain” on American history and a continuation of the damage caused by the assault on the Capitol.
The measure has once again put the January 6 case, the largest judicial process in the history of the United States, at the center of the discussion, which is still ongoing.
SOURCE: EFE.
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