Special Poll
Vice President-elect JD Vance has articulated a clear stance regarding the potential pardons of individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. In a recent interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Vance emphasized that while those who protested peacefully deserve consideration for pardons, those who engaged in violence during the events should not be pardoned. He acknowledged, however, that there are some nuanced cases that might fall into a gray area.
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed intentions to use his clemency powers to pardon many of the rioters immediately upon taking office on January 20. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump conveyed a sense of urgency in addressing what he described as the long and hard suffering of those involved, although he noted that there might be exceptions, particularly for those deemed too radical or dangerous.
The Capitol riot led to more than 1,500 federal criminal charges, left over 100 police officers injured, and forced lawmakers into hiding during the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory in 2020. Among those charged were individuals linked to extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, who were found guilty of seditious conspiracy aimed at disrupting the peaceful transition of power.
On the social platform X, Vance responded to critiques from supporters of the rioters who feel his position isn’t comprehensive enough to address all convicted individuals. Vance defended his longstanding support for those he believes were unjustly treated, stating, “The president saying he’ll look at each case (and me saying the same) is not some walkback. I assure you, we care about people unjustly locked up. Yes, that includes people provoked and it includes people who got a garbage trial.”