January 6 participant drops asylum bid in Canada after claiming Trump pardon

An American man, who sought asylum in Canada after being convicted for his role in the January 6 event at the United States Congress, is now dropping his claim and plans to return to America, claiming a pardon from President Donald Trump. 

Antony Vo, who was sentenced to nine months in prison for four misdemeanour offences, fled to Canada in June 2024 instead of surrendering to serve his sentence. 

Vo claimed he was fleeing political persecution.

Three weeks ago, Vo was arrested in Whistler, B.C., by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for allegedly entering the country without official documentation. 

Vo has been detained since his arrest. 

His lawyer Robert Tibbo said Vo is among the January 6 participants pardoned by Trump, allowing him to return to the U.S. without facing his sentence. 

Tibbo has filed the necessary forms to withdraw Vo’s asylum claim.

However, the CBSA disputes this, stating U.S. officials confirmed Vo was not pardoned. 

Tibbo firmly believes that the pardon is valid and asserts that a U.S. arrest warrant for Vo, issued during the Biden administration, is no longer valid. 

Vo now hopes to return to the U.S. immediately, with Tibbo arguing there is no reason for Canadian authorities to delay his departure. 

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the January 6 events and the legal fallout for those involved.