Just after his Inauguration, Trump fulfilled a long-time promise when he first revealed he would be contesting for the US presidential elections again after losing to Joe Biden.
The sitting President had incited his supporters, claiming he did not lose the 2020 elections, even when there was clear evidence that he did.
With the ridiculous idea of foul play put in their heads, the supporters set off to the US Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, shouting that the election was rigged and demanding President Biden step down.
During the riot, more than 140 officers protecting the Capitol were injured. More devastatingly, the riot directly or indirectly led to the deaths of five officers of the law and four Trump supporters. So, imagine what these officers who went through hell in the 7-hour aggressive siege would feel?
Immediately after his swearing-in, Trump pardoned nearly all rioters, except those who had more violent cases. Violent offenders who beat DC police officer Michael Fanone and pepper-sprayed US Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick were also granted clemency.
“Six individuals who threatened my life and threatened my family members … My family, my children, and myself are less safe today because of Donald Trump and his supporters,” Fanone spoke bitterly to CNN’s journalist Anderson Cooper.
About 1250 people were pardoned in total. However, Trump decided to take another approach to leaders of far-right extremist groups who were at the forefront of the riot.
For instance, far-right groups like Oath Keepers and Proud Boys were granted commutation rather than full presidential Pardon. Although they would not be in prison, their civil rights have been rescinded. They would not vote or be licensed to carry a gun. Leaders Thomas Caldwell, Kelly Meggs, and Joseph Biggs should have served serious time as recipients of the commutation.
Most of the cases resulting in guilty pleas and convictions have been thrown out the window under Trump’s executive order and many J6 felons have been released.
