Mass Pardons Issued: President Trump pardoned 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including those convicted of assaulting police officers.
Key Figures Released: High-profile figures like Enrique Tarrio (Proud Boys leader) and Stewart Rhodes (Oath Keepers founder) were among those pardoned or granted commutations.
Immediate Release Ordered: The Bureau of Prisons was instructed to release all pardoned individuals immediately, with over 200 freed on the first day.
Political Backlash: The pardons drew criticism from lawmakers, police unions, and families of injured officers, calling it an insult to justice and law enforcement.
Campaign Promise Fulfilled: Trump had campaigned on pardoning January 6 defendants, referring to them as "hostages" and "victims of political persecution."
Mixed Public Reaction: While 72% of Republicans supported the pardons, a majority of Americans disapproved, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
End of Largest DOJ Probe: The pardons effectively shut down the largest investigation in Justice Department history, halting over 300 pending cases.
Violence on January 6: The Capitol attack injured 140 police officers, resulted in several deaths, and involved weapons like stun guns, flagpoles, and explosives.
Families of Victims Outraged: Relatives of fallen officers, like Brian Sicknick’s brother, condemned the pardons, calling Trump’s actions "pure evil."
Unprecedented Clemency: The sweeping pardons included both misdemeanor offenders and those convicted of serious felonies, marking an unprecedented use of presidential clemency power.