Over 1,500 individuals await potential pardons for January 6 Capitol breach
In Washington, DC, supporters of Donald Trump who participated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot are hopeful for pardons as Trump has signaled potential clemency if he returns to the presidency in 2025.
Over 1,500 people face charges relating to the riot that aimed to halt the certification of Joe Biden's election win.
Trump, during a CNN town hall, expressed willingness to pardon many rioters, calling them 'patriots' and 'political prisoners,' while acknowledging some went 'out of control.' The riot resulted in injuries to over 140 officers after Trump’s rally speech near the White House fueled false claims of a stolen election.
New hopes for pardons have led some defendants, like Christopher Carnell and Jaimee Avery, to request trial delays, but these have been denied by judges.
Trump faces allegations of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election but hasn't been tried due to a Department of Justice policy.
He has not ruled out pardons for groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose leaders received long prison terms for their roles.
As of now, around 1,532 individuals have been charged, with more than 940 guilty pleas and 195 convictions recorded.
Historically, Trump pardoned several political allies prior to leaving office.