POLITICS

Officers Struggle After Pardons Five Years On Capitol

PUBLISHED Jan 4, 2026, 8:06 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Left 14%

Center 86%

Sources: 7

Washington — Former Capitol Police officers say their struggles continue after President Donald Trump pardoned about 1,500 people convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Officers, including former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, reported learning on Jan. 20, 2025, that people they testified against were being released, and said pardons and public statements minimizing the violence have complicated their recovery. Reporters documented notifications from federal prosecutors, FBI agents and the Bureau of Prisons and collected firsthand accounts of injuries and threats tied to the riot. Authorities confirmed the pardons and said reviews guided clemency decisions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

January 6, 2021: Pro-Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol during electoral vote count.
2021–2024: Federal investigations and prosecutions lead to convictions of many participants.
2024: Donald Trump wins presidential election and campaigns on disputed election narratives.
January 20, 2025: Trump inaugurated for a second term and issues pardons to about 1,500 convicted Jan. 6 participants.
January 2025: Officers publicly report renewed distress; federal agencies notify some officers about releases.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 14%, Center 86%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The pardoned defendants and their families benefited directly through immediate release, legal relief and the removal of incarceration-related penalties following the Jan. 20, 2025 clemency actions.

Who Impacted

Capitol Police officers who sustained physical injuries, psychological trauma, and ongoing security concerns suffered renewed distress when approximately 1,500 convicted participants from Jan. 6 were granted pardons on Jan. 20, 2025.