Convicted US Capitol rioter turns down Trump pardon

 

One of the individuals who served jail time for participating in the US Capitol riot four years ago has rejected a pardon from former President Donald Trump, stating, "We were wrong that day."

Pamela Hemphill, who admitted guilt and was sentenced to 60 days in prison, told the BBC she opposes pardons for the January 6, 2021, riot.
"Accepting a pardon would dishonor the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and our nation," she said. "I pleaded guilty because I was guilty. Accepting a pardon would contribute to gaslighting and perpetuating a false narrative."

Dubbed the "MAGA granny" by social media—referencing Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan—Hemphill criticized efforts to revise the events of that day. "We were wrong, we broke the law—there should be no pardons," she told the BBC's Newsday program.

Trump, just hours into his presidency, pardoned or commuted the sentences of nearly 1,600 people involved in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

Speaking at a White House news conference on Tuesday, Trump said, "These people have already endured years in a horrible, inhumane prison. It's been a terrible, terrible thing."

The decision has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed his disagreement, stating it "raises legitimate safety concerns on Capitol Hill."

Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma echoed this sentiment, telling CNN, "We are a party of law and order. Attacking a police officer is a serious offense, and there must be consequences."

Among those pardoned was Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman. Chansley, released in 2023 after serving 27 months of his 41-month sentence, described hearing the news from his lawyer while at the gym.
"I stepped outside, screamed 'freedom' at the top of my lungs, and let out a good Native American war cry," he told the BBC.