Donald Trump Grants Pardons to Over 1,270 Capitol Attack Participants
The controversial presidential pardons have sparked reactions as former detainees reunite with supporters.
On January 21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued presidential pardons to over 1,270 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, shortly after taking office.
This decision has prompted a range of reactions across the political spectrum in the United States.
Among those released is Kevin Loftus, who was freed from a Philadelphia prison early in the morning.
Loftus spoke to AFP while wearing prison-issued clothing, describing his release process.
'At seven in the evening, the decrees were signed,' Loftus recounted.
Guards notified him of his release later that night, resulting in his departure at 2 AM. Loftus was joined by another former detainee, William Sarsfield III, and quickly traveled to Washington, D.C.
The January 6th event saw hundreds of Trump supporters breach the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's presidential election victory, following unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud by Trump.
Since then, many participants have faced legal consequences for their actions that day.
The pardons, criticized by Democratic lawmakers, have allowed for the immediate release of some convicted individuals involved in the riot.
However, others still remain in custody due to procedural reasons.
Loftus, who previously tried to travel to Russia to fight against Ukraine according to court documents, had been detained for violating his probation conditions.
He was initially sentenced for his presence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Outside the Washington prison, supporters of the released individuals gathered, equipped with coats and supplies for those emerging from incarceration.
However, not all individuals released Tuesday were associated with the January 6th events.
Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers, was also released from a separate prison the same night.
Rhodes, who had received an 18-year sentence, one of the longest handed down to any Capitol rioter, expressed 'joy and gratitude' upon his release.
He stated that Trump's decision 'validated' his actions regarding the assault on the Capitol, a sentiment he shared publicly.
By the end of the day on Tuesday, three detainees were ultimately freed, reuniting with waiting family and supporters.
This decision has prompted a range of reactions across the political spectrum in the United States.
Among those released is Kevin Loftus, who was freed from a Philadelphia prison early in the morning.
Loftus spoke to AFP while wearing prison-issued clothing, describing his release process.
'At seven in the evening, the decrees were signed,' Loftus recounted.
Guards notified him of his release later that night, resulting in his departure at 2 AM. Loftus was joined by another former detainee, William Sarsfield III, and quickly traveled to Washington, D.C.
The January 6th event saw hundreds of Trump supporters breach the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's presidential election victory, following unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud by Trump.
Since then, many participants have faced legal consequences for their actions that day.
The pardons, criticized by Democratic lawmakers, have allowed for the immediate release of some convicted individuals involved in the riot.
However, others still remain in custody due to procedural reasons.
Loftus, who previously tried to travel to Russia to fight against Ukraine according to court documents, had been detained for violating his probation conditions.
He was initially sentenced for his presence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Outside the Washington prison, supporters of the released individuals gathered, equipped with coats and supplies for those emerging from incarceration.
However, not all individuals released Tuesday were associated with the January 6th events.
Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers, was also released from a separate prison the same night.
Rhodes, who had received an 18-year sentence, one of the longest handed down to any Capitol rioter, expressed 'joy and gratitude' upon his release.
He stated that Trump's decision 'validated' his actions regarding the assault on the Capitol, a sentiment he shared publicly.
By the end of the day on Tuesday, three detainees were ultimately freed, reuniting with waiting family and supporters.
