President Trump Grants Pardon to Logan Square Activist Contesting Jan. 6 Charges
A New Beginning for Larry Ligas
President Donald Trump followed through with his promise for Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection defendants – pardons, commutations, and charges dropped. One Chicago activist, Larry Ligas, was among those affected, and he shared his reaction in a follow-up to a WGN News report.
A Hopeful Outlook
WGN first spoke with Ligas days before the fourth anniversary of the Capitol riot. Charged with misdemeanor obstruction and then felony obstruction for participating in the “Stop the Steal” movement, he was hopeful the incoming Trump Administration would follow through on his promise of clemency.
A Bittersweet Moment
“To get my case dismissed by President Trump, that was a good feeling,” Ligas said. The Logan Square activist was waiting for his day in court but, instead, saw that burden taken away. Ligas stated that he never fought with officers or rushed a barricade on Jan. 6.
A Different Perspective
“Still, putting me in a document with 1,500 rioters, it was like a bittersweet moment because I’m far from a rioter,” Ligas said. Ligas says he wanted the chance in court to describe Jan. 6 – as he sees it – as a set-up by insiders to cause a riot to embarrass and diminish Trump. Ligas said he sees Trump as a righteous leader, even though he still calls himself a conservative Democrat.
A Scandal?
“I clearly believe that Jan. 6 was a massive scandal. In the last four years, we were dealing with a massive cover-up,” Ligas said. WGN asked Ligas: “You don’t believe that Donald Trump was stirring up his supporters to impede the peaceful transfer of power?” “No, I don’t believe that,” he responded.
A Call to Action
Ligas insists he was there to call out election fraud, not stir violence. As for those who did, like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members, he says Trump should have drawn a line. “I believe (Oath Keepers founder) Stuart Rhodes should not have been set free,” Ligas said. “He never showed any remorse. I believe he is still going to be a problem.”
A New Chapter
Now that his charges have been dropped, Ligas says he may seek legal action against those he feels defamed him. “It’s taken a toll on me,” Ligas said. “Physically, mentally, psychologically, emotionally.” Ligas says he plans to remain in the public eye and advocate for a national voter ID.
Conclusion
The case of Larry Ligas serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of the Jan. 6 events. While some have been convicted and sentenced, others have been pardoned or had their charges dropped. As Ligas moves forward, he will continue to advocate for his cause and seek justice for those he feels were wronged.
FAQs
* What happened to Larry Ligas?
He was charged with misdemeanor obstruction and felony obstruction for participating in the “Stop the Steal” movement, but his charges were dropped by President Trump’s pardon.
* What was Ligas’ account of the Jan. 6 events?
He claims he was there to call out election fraud, not stir violence, and that the riot was a set-up by insiders to embarrass and diminish Trump.
* What does Ligas plan to do next?
He plans to remain in the public eye and advocate for a national voter ID.
