Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, just hours after his inauguration at the White House, announced a sweeping pardon for nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill attack.
The proclamation stated that this decision marks the end of a “grave national injustice” imposed on the American people over the past four years and aims to initiate a process of national reconciliation.
Trump granted full pardons to those convicted of crimes related to the riots, while the sentences of 14 individuals were commuted to time already served.
The proclamation further declared that all pending cases related to the riots would be dismissed.
While signing the executive order, Trump described it as a significant step and expressed hope for the immediate release of those incarcerated.
According to U.S. Department of Justice statistics, over 1,500 individuals faced charges for crimes associated with the Capitol Hill attack.
The January 6, 2021, incident saw Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington during the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
The attack followed a rally where Trump had amplified unfounded claims of electoral fraud, leading to the deaths of five individuals.
