Trump pardons 1,500 people accused of January 6 riot at US Capitol By Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Monday he would pardon “many” people accused in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, moving to keep a promise often expressed in the countryside

Speaking to supporters in Washington Capital One (NYSE:) Arena, Trump did not specify how many people he planned to pardon.

“We’re going to release our great hostages who haven’t — for the most part — haven’t done anything wrong,” Trump said. It is often referred to the defendants of the riots of the Capitol as “hostages” although they have been submitted to the normal criminal process and many have admitted or have been convicted of criminal offenses.

A source familiar with his plans said earlier Monday that Trump intends to cut short sentences for some people who have attacked police and issue full pardons to people who have not committed violence.

More than 1,580 people have been criminally charged with participating in the riot, a failed attempt by Trump supporters to block Congressional certification of the 2020 election.

Leaders of the far-right organizations Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are among those serving time in federal prison for their roles in the violence. More than 600 people have been charged with assaulting or obstructing police during the riot, according to figures from the US Department of Justice.

Trump promised during his 2024 campaign to pardon many of those accused, arguing that they had been treated unfairly by the legal system.