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Sunday, Feb 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Convicted January 6 Capitol Attackers Reject Donald Trump's Pardon
Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill, two individuals convicted in the Capitol attack, decline a presidential pardon, citing personal responsibility and future considerations.
Two individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol have publicly rejected the pardon offered by then-President Donald Trump.
Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill, who both pleaded guilty to charges related to the riot, stated that they did not believe their actions were pardonable and that accepting Trump's clemency would perpetuate a misleading narrative of the events.
Hemphill, 71, was sentenced to 60 days in prison and three years of probation for participating in a demonstration at the Capitol.
She emphasized that accepting the pardon would imply the Capitol attack was a 'peaceful protest,' which she rejected.
Speaking to The Guardian, Hemphill expressed her desire to take responsibility for her actions in attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.
Riddle, a US Navy veteran, similarly rejected the pardon, noting that it could harm his future employment prospects.
Riddle, who served a 90-day prison sentence and was fined $750 for his involvement, expressed concerns that a pardon would draw unnecessary attention to his criminal record.
He emphasized that he did not wish to be associated with the political ramifications of the pardon, particularly given Trump's continued influence among his supporters.
Riddle's criminal actions on January 6 included entering the US Senate parliamentarian’s office, drinking a bottle of wine, stealing a book, and causing damage.
He stated that he felt his actions were not pardonable and that accepting clemency from Trump would send the wrong message about the events of the Capitol attack.
Both individuals were involved in the Capitol insurrection, which followed a speech by President Trump, in which he falsely claimed victory in the 2020 election and encouraged his supporters to march on Congress.
Trump faced charges related to attempts to overturn the election results, but the case was dropped after his re-election in November, under the Justice Department's policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
After his return to office, Trump granted pardons and commutations to approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack.
Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill, who both pleaded guilty to charges related to the riot, stated that they did not believe their actions were pardonable and that accepting Trump's clemency would perpetuate a misleading narrative of the events.
Hemphill, 71, was sentenced to 60 days in prison and three years of probation for participating in a demonstration at the Capitol.
She emphasized that accepting the pardon would imply the Capitol attack was a 'peaceful protest,' which she rejected.
Speaking to The Guardian, Hemphill expressed her desire to take responsibility for her actions in attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.
Riddle, a US Navy veteran, similarly rejected the pardon, noting that it could harm his future employment prospects.
Riddle, who served a 90-day prison sentence and was fined $750 for his involvement, expressed concerns that a pardon would draw unnecessary attention to his criminal record.
He emphasized that he did not wish to be associated with the political ramifications of the pardon, particularly given Trump's continued influence among his supporters.
Riddle's criminal actions on January 6 included entering the US Senate parliamentarian’s office, drinking a bottle of wine, stealing a book, and causing damage.
He stated that he felt his actions were not pardonable and that accepting clemency from Trump would send the wrong message about the events of the Capitol attack.
Both individuals were involved in the Capitol insurrection, which followed a speech by President Trump, in which he falsely claimed victory in the 2020 election and encouraged his supporters to march on Congress.
Trump faced charges related to attempts to overturn the election results, but the case was dropped after his re-election in November, under the Justice Department's policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.
After his return to office, Trump granted pardons and commutations to approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack.
