In a rally held just blocks away from the Capitol on January 6, Griffin, the first elected official barred from holding office due to his participation in the riot, emphasized his plea for pardons. “This day isn’t about me,” he stated, “it’s about those that are still being held in prison.” Griffin argued that the rioters had been “entrapped” and blamed the legal system for their ongoing imprisonment. His remarks echoed far-right conspiracy theories that attempt to rewrite the events of January 6th, portraying the riot as part of a larger political plot.
Trump’s Promise to Act Swiftly on Pardons
As the second certification of the election proceeded, former President Trump’s comments from December still loomed large. He had pledged that on his first day in office, he would quickly act to pardon many of those charged in the Capitol insurrection. In his statement, Trump suggested that he might make exceptions for “radical” individuals but otherwise sign off on pardons for those involved in the violent attack on January 6th, 2021.
The riot left a trail of destruction: dozens of injuries, property damage, and five confirmed deaths. The mob’s fury was fueled by the false belief that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen from Trump. As the U.S. Capitol was overrun, it became clear that the insurrection wasn’t just an attack on the Capitol building but an assault on the peaceful transfer of power itself.
Trump’s promise to issue pardons has been a topic of heated discussion ever since the insurrection, with some of his supporters clamoring for action. Griffin’s statement on January 6th suggested that his campaign for pardons was about “justice” and “recovery,” framing it as a moral stance against what he called the “politicized” legal system.
Griffin’s Fight Against Disqualification
Griffin’s role in the Capitol riot resulted in his disqualification from holding public office, a rare penalty for elected officials involved in insurrection. The disqualification stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), as well as other local advocates. Their legal argument was based on the 14th Amendment, which prevents anyone who has “engaged in an insurrection” from holding office.
Despite Griffin’s calls for pardons, some legal experts argue that even a presidential pardon would not allow him to return to office in New Mexico. Griffin was convicted of trespassing on Capitol grounds during the attack. Legal professionals assert that while a pardon could forgive his criminal conviction, it would not erase the civil ruling that bars him from running for office under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause.
Nonetheless, Griffin and his supporters continue to push for a pardon from Trump, despite the legal hurdles. The push for pardons comes amid mounting frustration among right-wing factions who view the Capitol attack as a politically motivated prosecution. “We stand for those who were unjustly charged,” Griffin continued, positioning himself as an advocate for people he believes are victims of a biased justice system.
The Broader Political Landscape: Consequences for Trump
Griffin is not alone in his calls for pardons. Many right-wing groups and individuals who continue to reject the results of the 2020 presidential election share his views. With Trump now preparing for a potential second term, it remains to be seen how these voices will influence his administration’s priorities, particularly on the issue of pardons. The question of whether pardons will be issued for those involved in the January 6th attack may shape his political legacy.
However, issuing such pardons could have significant consequences. Critics warn that pardoning those convicted of insurrection would send a dangerous message about accountability in American democracy. It would also likely alienate more moderate voters who believe that the actions of January 6th were a direct assault on the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral system.
The Long Road Ahead for Those Convicted
For now, the fate of those convicted in connection with the January 6th attack remains uncertain. As of early 2025, hundreds of individuals have been sentenced, and many others still face legal battles in court. The push for pardons may galvanize further political divisions as the country reflects on the events of that day.
Although Trump’s potential pardon of rioters may be viewed as a form of political appeasement by some, it also underscores a deeper division in the country. While some continue to view the rioters as martyrs of a lost cause, others believe that their actions must be punished to preserve the integrity of American democracy.
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