Officers Struggle After Pardons Five Years On Capitol
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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.
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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. January 6, 2021: Pro-Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol during electoral vote count.
- 2. 2021–2024: Federal investigations and prosecutions lead to convictions of many participants.
- 3. 2024: Donald Trump wins presidential election and campaigns on disputed election narratives.
- 4. January 20, 2025: Trump inaugurated for a second term and issues pardons to about 1,500 convicted Jan. 6 participants.
- 5. January 2025: Officers publicly report renewed distress; federal agencies notify some officers about releases.
Sources
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