Special Poll
On Monday, President Trump granted pardons to nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot, marking a significant exercise of clemency. This move effectively exonerated many who were accused of trying to disrupt the democratic process and halted the extensive efforts by the previous administration’s Justice Department to prosecute those involved in the day’s violent events.
In addition to the approximately 1,500 pardons, Trump also reduced the sentences of 14 individuals. This sweeping act of leniency comes after Trump himself was cleared of charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, following an investigation by special counsel Jack Smith which had implicated him in inciting the violence.
Among the most high-profile beneficiaries of Trump’s executive orders is Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group. Tarrio received a 22-year sentence in 2023 for seditious conspiracy but did not physically participate in the riot. He was accused of leading the group’s activities that day from afar.
Also notable is Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers militia group, who had his 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy commuted. Rhodes was convicted of orchestrating a plot to stop the certification of the 2020 election results. He was released early Wednesday morning.
Additionally, Trump commuted the sentences of three Proud Boys leaders—Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Ethan Nordean—who are military veterans and were also convicted of seditious conspiracy, receiving sentences ranging from 15 to 18 years.
Kelly Meggs, another key figure from the Oath Keepers and its former Florida leader, had his 12-year sentence for seditious conspiracy and other felonies commuted. His wife, Connie Meggs, was also pardoned for her involvement in the riot.
These pardons and commutations have ended or significantly reduced the sentences of key figures involved in the January 6 events, with immediate effects on their incarceration status and broader implications for the political and legal landscape.