Trump will pardon a ‘large portion’ of Jan. 6 rioters – makes promise at CNN town hall event

Former US President Donald Trump made a promise during a CNN town hall event at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. He stated that if elected, he would pardon a significant number of individuals convicted of federal offences related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“I am inclined to pardon many of them,” Trump said. “I can’t say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control.” He said he will grant these pardons early on in his presidency. 

Over 600 individuals involved in the January 6 attack have been convicted so far, with over 480 already sentenced. Although there are hundreds more identified rioters yet to be charged, Trump has been actively embracing the cause of his supporters who participated in the Capitol siege. He has shown support for the “J6 Prison Choir” and played their song, “Justice for All,” featuring his recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance mixed with the national anthem sung by incarcerated individuals awaiting trial, at his recent campaign rally.

During a campaign event in Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump expressed empathy for a woman who had served prison time for her involvement in the Capitol attack. He encouraged her to persevere, praised her as a terrific woman, and denounced what he considered to be unfair treatment of the January 6 “patriots.”