Trump raises the possibility of pardons for the Jan. 6 rioters
Key takeaways:
- Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to pardon supporters who took part in the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol storming.
- Trump has hinted at a third run for the White House in 2024, despite being impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate for his role in inciting the uprising.
If he returns to the White House, former US President Donald Trump threatens to grant pardons to supporters who took part in the deadly Jan. 6 storming of the US Capitol.
"If I run and win, we will treat some these people fairly beginning Jan. 6," Trump said at a rally in Conroe, Texas, on Saturday night. "And if pardons are required, we will grant them when they're being treated so unfairly."
The offer is Trump's latest attempt to downplay the most significant attack on the White House since the War of 1812.
While attempting to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and the certification of rival Joe Biden's victory, participants smashed windows, assaulted police officers, and sent lawmakers and congressional staff fleeing for their lives.
More than 700 people have been arrested and charged with federal crimes in connection with the riot, making it the Justice Department's largest investigation ever.
Over 150 people have been charged with assaulting police officers, over 50 with conspiracy, and charges of seditious conspiracy have been filed against the founder and leader of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group, as well as 10 other members or associates.
Trump has slammed the investigation into the riots.
Following a "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House in which Trump falsely claimed Biden had done win the election through massive voter fraud, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, injuring over 100 police officers, some critically.
Trump used his pardon power as president to pardon or commute the sentences of several political allies, friends, as well as associates, including Steve Bannon, his former chief strategist; Paul Manafort, his former campaign chair; Michael Flynn, his former national security adviser; and Roger Stone, a longtime friend, and political ally.
Trump has chastised the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives for its ongoing investigation into the riot.
Trump neglected desperate pleas from allies to forcefully disavow the attack while his supporters overran the Capitol on Jan. 6 and also has repeatedly praised those who took part in the protest.
During a recent interview with Fox News, he said of those who attended the rally, "There was a lot of love there." "Believe me; there was plenty of love, friendship, and people who care about our country."
Trump, who was impeached by the House but acquitted by the Senate for his role in inciting the uprising, has hinted at a third run for the White House in 2024.