WASHINGTON – On Monday, President Donald Trump issued pardons for roughly 1,500 individuals who were charged in connection with the Capitol riot that occurred on January 6, 2021. This move fulfills a commitment he made during his campaign, although critics have argued that it may encourage attacks on democratic processes.

According to the Justice Department, this number accounts for nearly all of the almost 1,600 individuals charged for their roles in the disturbance by the fourth anniversary of the event. By that time, around 1,270 individuals had been convicted, and approximately 1,100 had been sentenced.

“These are the hostages, approximately 1,500 in need of a pardon. Full pardon,” Trump declared in the Oval Office. “This is a major announcement. We hope they will be released tonight.”

The list of those benefiting from clemency includes 14 individuals who received sentence reductions, comprising high-ranking members of two militia organizations, the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. Stewart Rhodes, the head of the Oath Keepers, had been sentenced to 18 years, while Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boys member known for breaking a window to allow others to enter the Capitol, was sentenced to 10 years.

Other individuals mentioned include Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins, Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, David Moerschel, Joseph Hackett, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Dominic Pezzola, and Jeremy Bertino.

The Justice Department reports that around 1,270 individuals were convicted of charges related to the riot. Over 1,000 of these individuals pleaded guilty, with 260 convicted through trials. Among those who admitted guilt, 327 faced felony charges, while 682 confessed to misdemeanors.

Approximately 600 individuals were accused of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing law enforcement. Of those who pleaded guilty, 172 acknowledged assaulting law enforcement, while 130 admitted to hindering law enforcement during the unrest, and 69 confessed to using a dangerous or deadly weapon against officers.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who served as House speaker during the riot, remarked that Trump had pardoned individuals who “violently attacked the Capitol and law enforcement officers on January 6.”

“The President’s actions are an appalling affront to our justice system and to the heroes who endured physical injuries and emotional distress as they defended the Capitol, Congress, and the Constitution,” Pelosi stated.

In recent weeks, key allies of Trump indicated they did not foresee pardons for individuals who engaged in violent acts.

“The president does not condone the abuse of police officers,” Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, noted during her Senate confirmation hearing last week.

Vice President J.D. Vance previously stated on Fox News: “If you committed violence that day, it’s clear you shouldn’t be pardoned.”

Trump promised pardons for Jan. 6 defendants during campaign

Trump’s own federal charges were dismissed after he won the election, in line with a long-standing Justice Department policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents. However, special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Trump’s actions surrounding the election pointed out that there was sufficient evidence for a conviction.

For years, Trump has expressed intentions to pardon those involved in the January 6 events, whom he has labeled “political prisoners” and “hostages.”

“We’ll be carefully considering full pardons,” Trump mentioned while speaking to Pittsburgh broadcaster Wendy Bell in September 2022. “They’ve been treated so unfairly.”

In March 2023, he shared an emphatic message on social media stating: “LET THE JANUARY 6 PRISONERS GO.”

Trump has occasionally indicated that he would limit his pardons to nonviolent offenders.

“I lean towards pardoning many of them,” Trump told CNN in 2023. “I can’t guarantee every single case, as some may have gone too far.”