Three and a half years after headlines broke the news of a chaotic and dangerous demonstration outside the United States Capitol, the dust continues to settle.
January 6, 2021, has long been described as one of the greatest threats to American democracy in the nation’s recent history—by Democrats, that is. Those in opposition to this view have instead accused the federal government of targeting those present on that day based solely on their support for former president Donald Trump.
Although the motivation to protest in Washington, D.C. that day—which was inspired by concerns that the 2020 election was subjected to illegal interference—is protected under law, the violation of federal security is not. Despite the seemingly never-ending debate surrounding the events of that day, some protestors did force their way into a federal building, resulting in higher response from law enforcement.
Ongoing charges and trials have been sorted through ever since, leading to much outcry among conservatives who say their actions were justified. During a panel at a recent journalistic gathering, Trump maintained that he would “absolutely” pardon rioters “if they’re innocent.”
He added that those who have received sentences were given convictions in “a very tough system.” While over a thousand individuals have already been charged related to their involvement in the riot—not to mention another thousand approved convictions for conspiracy—there are still hundreds of pending cases and more anticipated arrests to be made.
However, all the ongoing litigation and debate could be over with the next administration if Trump is re-elected, and his appointees take power in the Department of Justice. The former president described January 6 protestors as “unbelievable patriots” and “hostages” of a flawed justice system.
Trump also pointed out that pro-Palestinian protestors had burned flags, desecrated historic monuments, and attacked police in a recent riot that broke out near Union Station. The former president said that this demonstration was conducted “much more openly” than he recalled witnessing from pro-Trump protestors on January 6.
Ironically, Trump himself has been engulfed in a legal battle related to his alleged incitement of the 2021 violence. He has since obtained some acknowledgment of presidential immunity, though it remains to be seen if he will be prosecuted on specific grounds.
