In a dramatic move, former President Donald Trump issued sweeping pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. Among those released were Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, the head of the Oath Keepers. Both men had been serving lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Proud Boys And Oath Keepers Leaders Released After Lengthy Sentences
Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes walked free on Tuesday after receiving presidential pardons. Tarrio had been sentenced to 22 years in prison in September 2023, the longest sentence handed down to any January 6 rioter. Rhodes, sentenced in May 2023 to 18 years, was convicted of seditious conspiracy the year before for his role in planning and facilitating the riot.
Though neither man entered the Capitol building on January 6, prosecutors argued that both played critical roles in orchestrating the violence.
Seditious Conspiracy Convictions Against Oath Keepers: Key Evidence
Rhodes and his Oath Keepers were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, with prosecutors highlighting the group’s stockpiling of weapons at a nearby Washington, D.C., hotel. They alleged the group organized and supported the attack while maintaining that their stated intention was to provide security and medical assistance at pro-Trump events.
Tarrio, meanwhile, faced accusations of leading the Proud Boys in planning the attack. Prosecutors presented a nine-page document found in Tarrio’s possession, outlining a strategic plan to storm government buildings. They also cited his violent rhetoric in communications with group members.
FBI’s Assessment of Domestic Extremist Groups
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray labeled both the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers as domestic extremist groups in Senate testimony in March 2021. Wray referred to the Capitol attack as an act of domestic terrorism and noted that many individuals arrested for the violence had ties to these organizations.
“Certainly the Capitol attack involved violent extremists,” Wray stated. “We, the FBI, consider this a form of domestic terrorism.”
Impact of the January 6 Riot
The January 6 Capitol riot led to the indictment of nearly 1,600 individuals, with over 600 charged for assaulting, resisting, or interfering with law enforcement officers. Approximately 140 officers were injured during the attack, which left a lasting scar on the nation’s history.
Celebrations and Protests Surrounding Releases
As Tarrio, Rhodes, and other pardoned rioters left prisons in the Washington, D.C., area, they were met by cheering supporters, including Proud Boys members and Trump loyalists. The crowd carried flags and banners with messages such as “No Man Left Behind” and “Pardon All J6 Hostages Day One.”
The pardons have alarmed current and former Department of Justice officials, who warn of potential risks associated with releasing individuals convicted of violent crimes. Critics fear that these individuals could retaliate against prosecutors, judges, or witnesses involved in their cases.