Former Proud Boys to Watch Inauguration with Suspense Amid Trump’s Promise to Pardon Convicted Jan. 6 Rioters
As President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the nation’s 47th president, thousands are expected to be in attendance, but millions will be watching from their television screens. One group, in particular, has a particular interest in whether the president-elect will fulfill a campaign promise in the first few days of his term.
Trump’s Promise to Pardon Convicted Rioters
Trump has promised to hit the ground running and sign dozens of executive orders as soon as he returns to the White House. The president has also promised to issue pardons for some convicted January 6 rioters. Those ticketed, including two former Proud Boys, will be paying close attention to the inauguration on Monday.
U.S. Justice Department’s Charges and Sentences
According to the U.S. Justice Department, nearly 1,600 people have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol, 140 of them with ties to Florida. More than 150 law enforcement officers were injured, and four people died in connection to the riots. Since then, nearly 1,600 people have been charged, with over 1,200 of them being convicted or pleading guilty. Two of those people are from South Florida.
Proud Boys’ Involvement in the Riots
Gabriel Garcia of Miami and a member of the Vice City Chapter of the Proud Boys took part in the storming of the Capitol. He has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Another South Florida man, Enrique Torrio, former Top Leader of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his participation in the riots, which is the lengthiest sentence of any defendant.
Pam Bondi’s Statement on Pardons
When faced with questions about the pardons on Capitol Hill last Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trump’s Attorney General pick, said she would advise on a case-by-case basis. "The pardons of course fall under the president, but if asked to look at those cases I will look at each case and advise on a-case-by-case basis. Just as I did my entire career as a prosecutor." She also condemned any violence against law enforcement officers.
What Pardons Entail
According to the Justice Department, pardons don’t erase a defendant’s criminal record, and they don’t overturn a conviction. However, a pardon forgives the offense and restores the recipient’s civil rights, such as gun ownership and voting rights.
Conclusion
As the inauguration approaches, former Proud Boys like Garcia and Torrio will be eagerly awaiting Trump’s promise to issue pardons to rioters. Will Trump fulfill his campaign promise, and what does it mean for those convicted of participating in the January 6 riots?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a pardon?
A: A pardon forgives the offense and restores the recipient’s civil rights, such as gun ownership and voting rights.
Q: Can a pardon be revoked?
A: Yes, a pardon can be revoked, but it is rare for a president to revoke a pardon.
Q: Can a pardon be used to avoid a criminal record?
A: No, a pardon does not erase a defendant’s criminal record.
