-President Donald Trump granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault, including leaders of far-right groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
-Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, received a full pardon after being sentenced to 22 years, while Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, had his 18-year sentence commuted to time served.
-Trump described the rioters as “hostages” and referred to them as “patriots” and “political prisoners,” maintaining his stance that the Capitol attack was a form of protest against the 2020 election results.
-Former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the pardons as an “outrageous insult” to the justice system and the police officers who were injured defending the Capitol.
-On the same day, President Joe Biden issued pardons for his family members and former officials, including Covid advisor Anthony Fauci and former general Mark Milley, to protect them from potential politically motivated prosecutions.
Peoplesmind