WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would pardon “a large number” of people charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, seeking to fulfill a promise often voiced during the election campaign.
Speaking to his supporters in Washington Capital one (NYSE:) Arena, Trump did not say how many people he planned to pardon.
“We’re going to release our great hostages who have done nothing – for the most part – they’ve done nothing wrong,” Trump said. He has frequently referred to Capitol riot defendants as “hostages,” even though they have been subjected to normal criminal proceedings and many have admitted or been convicted of criminal offenses.
A source familiar with his plans said Monday that Trump intends to reduce the sentences of some people who attacked police and grant full pardons to people who did not commit violence.
More than 1,580 people have been criminally charged for participating in the riot, a failed attempt by Trump supporters to block Congress’ certification of the 2020 election.
Leaders of the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are among those serving time in federal prison for their roles in the violence. More than 600 people were charged with assaulting or obstructing police during the riots, according to figures from the US Department of Justice.
Trump pledged during his 2024 campaign to pardon many of those indicted, arguing they had been treated unfairly by the justice system.