Trump pardons over 1,500 Capitol riot offenders

On his inauguration day, President Trump signed a decree granting pardons to over 1,500 individuals prosecuted for their roles in the Capitol riot. Some sentences were significantly reduced, leading to immediate release.

Fourteen individuals with the heaviest sentences saw over a hundred years of prison time eliminated. Among those released is Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the far-right Proud Boys, who received a 22-year sentence in September 2023 for his involvement.

Proud Boys member David Dempsey, sentenced to 20 years for using violence, will also be released. Additionally, the 18-year sentence for Stewart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers, was nullified.

Trump’s decree halts an extensive Justice Department investigation. A previous investigation into Trump’s involvement was dropped, following a Supreme Court ruling granting partial immunity.

The pardons prompted strong responses from Democrats, with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi criticizing the decision as undermining justice. The Capitol riot resulted in injuries to about 140 officers and four deaths.

Source: NOS

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