President Donald Trump made a landmark decision on Monday, granting full pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals charged with crimes related to the January 6 Capitol breach. In a move he described as necessary to correct a “grave national injustice,” Trump’s executive order also commuted the sentences of 14 people whose cases are still under review.
“So this is January 6 — these are the hostages, approximately 1,500 for a pardon. Full pardon,” Trump announced from the Oval Office before signing the order. While the president stated that six cases were pending further research, the executive order clarified that 14 individuals had their sentences commuted. Trump expressed hope that those affected would be released from custody immediately.
The list of individuals receiving commutations includes high-profile figures like Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, who faced extensive sentences for their roles in the events. Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy despite not being in Washington, D.C., on January 6, was reportedly released from FCI Pollock in Louisiana following the announcement. Tarrio’s mother, Zuny Tarrio, expressed her relief on X, writing, “Lord thank you!!! Tarrio is free!!!”
Journalist Julie Kelly, a longtime reporter on January 6 cases, took to X to elaborate on the order. She noted, “There are 14 individuals whose sentences are commuted and they will review the cases for pardons.” The executive order described the action as a step toward national reconciliation and healing, stating, “This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation.”
???? President Trump has pardoned approximately 1500 January 6th political prisoners of the Biden era pic.twitter.com/LwL2S7l5Ft
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 21, 2025
The list of commutations includes names such as Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Jessica Watkins, and Dominic Pezzola, among others. These individuals, many of whom were convicted of serious charges, have been granted commutations to time served as of January 20, 2025. The broader pardons cover individuals convicted of offenses related to the Capitol breach, with full clemency granted for these cases.
Here is the order related to J6 pardons. There are 14 individuals whose sentences are commuted and they will review the cases for pardons.
"This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a…
— Julie Kelly ???????? (@julie_kelly2) January 21, 2025
This move by Trump has sparked polarizing reactions, with critics accusing the administration of undermining the rule of law, while supporters argue it addresses the politicization of the justice system. By granting clemency to hundreds of people, Trump emphasized his commitment to what he views as correcting judicial overreach.
Enrique Tarrio’s case, in particular, has become a symbol of the broader debate. Sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy, Tarrio’s conviction was a focal point of criticism from those who questioned the fairness of his trial. His release has been celebrated by advocates for the January 6 defendants and condemned by opponents as a dangerous precedent.
For Trump, this action reflects a broader philosophy of reexamining cases that he believes were driven more by political motives than legal merit.
