Vice President-elect JD Vance is facing criticism for his recent comments on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where he stated that those who committed violence during the event should not receive pardons. One protester expressed feeling "emotionally distraught" over Vance's remarks.
In response to the backlash, Vance clarified that his stance is not a "walkback," reaffirming his concern for those "unjustly locked up" but maintaining that violent offenders should not be pardoned.
Why It Matters
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his intention to pardon many individuals involved in the Capitol riot, asserting that "a vast majority of them should not be in jail." In December, Trump indicated he would consider pardoning the rioters on a "case-by-case basis."
What Happened
Vance's comments on January 7th suggested that protesters who peacefully participated in the Capitol demonstration should be pardoned, while those involved in violent actions should not. He told Fox News, "If you protested peacefully on January 6 and you've had [Attorney General] Merrick Garland's Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned. If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned."
This statement has sparked reactions from several January 6 protesters, with some calling it a "betrayal" and arguing that they did not receive a fair trial. Luke Lints, who pled guilty for interfering with law enforcement, shared his emotional distress on X: "I'm absolutely emotionally distraught right now."
Philip Anderson, who was arrested and pled not guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges related to January 6, criticized Vance's position: "Telling your own supporters that the election was stolen and then not giving them a pardon or commutation after you sent them into what you call a 'fedsurrection' and 'trap' is a betrayal."
Conservative commentator Nick Fuentes added, "If Trump got a 'get out of jail free' card, then so should EVERY ONE of his supporters who rallied for him on January 6th."
Jake Lang, who faces multiple charges for his involvement in the riot, expressed frustration: "Name one Jan Sixer that was offered a fair trial in Washington D.C." He demanded answers about who had received due process, asserting that all January 6 defendants had been subjected to a "two-tier justice system."
Vance's Response
Vance responded by reiterating his long-standing support for those wrongfully imprisoned in connection with January 6. He pointed out that he had donated to the J6 political prisoner fund during his Senate campaign, despite facing criticism for it. He also raised concerns about federal informants in the crowd, stating they should not receive pardons either. Vance emphasized that Trump’s approach of reviewing each case individually aligned with his own perspective, expressing his commitment to addressing unjust incarcerations.
John Strand, who was convicted on charges related to January 6, agreed with Vance’s remarks, noting that all J6 defendants had been subjected to unfair trials in Washington D.C.
What Comes Next
Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025. It remains uncertain what actions he will take regarding the January 6 protesters, but his earlier remarks suggest that he will continue to consider pardoning non-violent offenders on a case-by-case basis.
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