Calling it a “grave national injustice upon the American people,” the proclamation aims to “begin a process of national reconciliation.” The people who were convicted of offenses related to the events will be granted a full, complete, and unconditional pardon. The Attorney General is to effectuate the pardon and release those currently in prison immediately and dismiss all pending indictments against them related to their conduct on 6 January, 2021. The pardon takes place mere hours after Trump’s return to the White House.
The 14 people who have been identified in the pardon are Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel, Joseph Hackett, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Dominic Pezzola, and Jeremy Bertino. Although more than 1,500 people who were charged with crimes from the riot, including those who assaulted police officers, will have their cases dismissed.
Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean, and Zachary Rehl were part of the far-right Proud Boys and were convicted of seditious conspiracy. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right anti-government militia Oath Keepers has also been released.
This is a developing story, check back for more information.
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