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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, pardoned and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people convicted for their participation in the Capitol riot of 2021.
The signing of the presidential pardon took place in the Oval Office of the White House and was one of his first executive orders following his inauguration.
Trump highlighted that many of the beneficiaries of the measure were "hostages" of a judicial system that, in his view, has treated them unfairly.
Among those granted clemency are members of the extremist organizations Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, responsible for leading the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
One of the most significant cases is that of the Cuban Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, who had been sentenced to 22 years in prison for "sedition."
Tarrio's family confirmed that he is one of the beneficiaries of the pardon, marking a significant change in his legal situation after being found guilty of inciting insurrection.
The assault on the Capitol, carried out by Trump supporters, aimed to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory in the November 2020 elections.
The violent attack resulted in the deaths of four people and more than 140 police officers injured.
In addition, more than 730 people have been convicted to date for their involvement in the attack, while around 300 are still awaiting trial for offenses such as assaulting officers and other acts of violence.
Trump, who during his presidential campaign portrayed himself as a victim of judicial persecution by the Biden Administration, had vowed to pardon those involved in the Capitol riot on his first day in office.
To him, the participants in the attack are "heroes" who have been treated unjustly by the judicial system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donald Trump's Pardons for the Capitol Assault
How many pardons did Donald Trump grant after assuming the presidency in 2025?
Donald Trump granted pardons and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people convicted for their involvement in the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
What were Trump's reasons for pardoning the participants in the Capitol riot?
Trump justified the pardons by claiming that many of the participants were "hostages" of a judicial system that, in his view, had treated them unfairly. For Trump, those involved in the assault were treated unjustly and deserved to be forgiven.
Who is Enrique Tarrio and why was he pardoned?
Enrique Tarrio is a Cuban-American who led the extremist group Proud Boys and was sentenced to 22 years in prison for "seditious conspiracy" in connection with the assault on the Capitol. He was pardoned by Donald Trump as part of the clemency granted to participants of the Capitol attack.
What impact did the Capitol riot in January 2021 have?
The assault on the Capitol resulted in the death of four people and more than 140 police officers injured. It was an attempt by Trump's supporters to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory in 2020. More than 730 people were convicted for their participation in the attack.
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