U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a “full, complete, and unconditional pardon” to approximately 1,500 individuals charged or convicted over the 6 January 2021 insurrection.
Thewere included in asigned by Trump in the hours after he was sworn in.
Trump said the decision “begins the process of national reconciliation.”
Background
On 6 January 2021, supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of the 2020 Presidential election results.
The siege caused over $US2.8 million ($AU4.6 million) in damage to the Capitol building and costs incurred by police.
Around 140 police officers were injured on the day, including concussions and burns. Four rioters died on the day and day after the insurrection, including two heart attacks, an overdose, and a police shooting.
Since the incident, the federal Department of Justice has charged around 1,500 people with crimes including obstruction of justice, assaulting and resisting police officers, and destruction of government property.
Sentences were being handed down as recently as last week.
Executive orders
An executive order is the President’s main power. It does not require Congress’ approval, and is therefore considered an ‘instant law’.
The recent order requires the U.S. prison authority implement the pardons immediately.
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Under the U.S. Constitution, Presidents have the power to ‘pardon’ a person convicted by a Federal Court.
It doesn’t remove their conviction, but can mean they don’t serve a prison sentence.
Trump also ‘commuted’ six sentences while the government conducts “further research” into their circumstances.
This means their sentences have been reduced but not completely waived.
Trump
Speaking from the White House on the night of his inauguration, Trump referred to those convicted as “hostages”, saying he hopes “they come out tonight”.
The pardon applies to both individuals who have been charged and convicted as well as those with pending cases.
Those currently serving prison sentences for related offences will be “released immediately.”
Violence
Trump’s action comes after senior members of his Cabinet said those convicted of violent crimes over the insurrection shouldn’t be pardoned.
For example, his nominee for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, said last week her priority would be to “review each and every file” of those charged or convicted over the insurrection, and avoid cases involving violence against law enforcement officers.
Last week, Vice President JD Vance told Fox News: “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”
