Trump pardons around 1,500 Jan. 6 attack defendants

STORY: :: Trump pardons nearly everyone criminally

charged with taking part in the January 6 attack

:: Washington, D.C.

:: January 20, 2025

Official: “First, we have a list of pardons and commutations relating to events that occurred on January 6, 2021.”

Trump: “Okay. And how many people is this?”

Official: “I think this order will apply to approximately 1500 people.”

Trump: “So this is January 6th. These are the hostages. Approximately 1500. For a pardon.”

Journalist off camera: “Full pardon or commutation?”

Trump: “Full pardon. We have about six commutations in there where we’re doing further research. Nice to see you again. So this is a big one. Anything you want to explain about this? We hope they come out tonight, frankly, we’re expecting it. Approximately 1500 people. Six, six commutations.”

His decision to pardon supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, is sure to enrage police, lawmakers and others whose lives were put at risk during an unprecedented episode in modern U.S. history.

Roughly 140 police officers were assaulted during the attack, with some sprayed with chemical irritants and others struck with pipes, poles and other weapons. Four people died during the chaos, including a Trump supporter who was shot dead by police.

Among those covered by the order were leaders of the far-right Oath Keepers and Proud Boys militant groups, who were serving long prison sentences.

Earlier in the day, Trump, 78, took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda, where a mob of his supporters had rampaged on Jan. 6 in an unsuccessful attempt to reverse his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.