Trump says he would absolutely pardon Jan. 6 rioters

Former President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday (July 31) that he would pardon January 6 rioters if he wins the November election.

"Oh, absolutely, I would. If they're innocent, I would pardon them," Trump said during a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists.

"They were convicted by a very tough system," Trump added.

Notably, more than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, and prosecutors have secured over 1,000 convictions on charges ranging from unlawful parading to seditious conspiracy. Hundreds of cases remain pending, with more arrests expected before the five-year statute of limitations expires in early 2026.

However, all January 6 cases could theoretically be concluded if Trump wins and his appointees take control of the Justice Department.

The former president has repeatedly referred to Jan. 6 rioters as warriors, amazing patriots," political prisoners and "hostages."

Senior US District Judge Royce Lamberth, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan and overseeing numerous Capitol attack trials, has expressed shock at the "preposterous" rhetoric Republicans often use regarding January 6 rioters who have been convicted.

“In my thirty-seven years on the bench, I cannot remember a time when such meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream," Lamberth wrote this year.

Although Jan. 6 defendants were caught on camera brandishing or using firearms, stun guns, flagpoles, fire extinguishers, bike racks, batons, a metal whip, office furniture, pepper spray, bear spray, a tomahawk ax, a hatchet, a hockey stick, knuckle gloves, a baseball bat, a massive “Trump” billboard, “Trump” flags, a pitchfork, pieces of lumber, crutches and even an explosive device during the brutal attack.

When asked directly whether he would pardon January 6 rioters who were seen on camera assaulting officers with flagpoles and dragging them down the stairs of the Capitol, Trump did not answer. Instead, he pivoted to discussing the officer who shot and killed a January 6 rioter.

(With inputs from agencies)