Over 1,500 individuals charged with offenses related to the January 6, 2021, protest at the United States (U.S.) Capitol are experiencing a sense of relief following President Donald Trump’s comprehensive pardon on Monday evening.
The move came only hours after Trump took the oath of office for the second time in eight years.
In a proclamation released by the White House, Trump called the defendants “political hostages” and declared the pardon “full, complete, and unconditional.”
According to estimates, over 1,500 individuals will benefit from having their charges dropped.
Fourteen other January 6 participants also received commutations, meaning they retain their convictions but have now served their sentences.
“This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation,” said the White House in a press release.
It also ordered the attorney general to ensure the immediate release of any remaining January 6 inmates.
Furthermore, prosecutors are directed “to pursue dismissal with prejudice” of all pending indictments linked to events at or near the Capitol that day.
There is a lingering question about the commutations for some individuals who have already completed their sentences.
Trump has hinted that he may revisit certain cases if warranted, suggesting he could upgrade some commutations to full pardons.
Uncertainty remains over how judges will handle Trump’s order to dismiss pending charges.
Since the new attorney general has not yet taken office, it is unclear whether the courts will comply.
