January 6 Rioters Reject Trump's Pardon, Cite Rule of Law

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Two supporters of former President Donald Trump, convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, have publicly rejected his presidential pardon. They argue that accepting the pardon undermines accountability for their actions, which they do not view as defensible.

Pamela Hemphill, known as ‘MAGA Granny’, stated that accepting the pardon would be an insult to law enforcement and perpetuate the false narrative that the riot was a mere "peaceful protest." After undergoing therapy and reevaluating her past support for Trump, she chose to take responsibility for her actions during the Capitol attack, where she was physically harmed.

Jason Riddle, a former Navy veteran, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that rejecting the pardon would benefit his future employment prospects. Riddle admitted to his involvement in the riot out of a lack of understanding and later disavowed the impulsive behavior and rhetoric surrounding it.

The pardon, which was granted to nearly all participants in the January 6 attack, has been the subject of controversy, particularly as it cleared legal consequences for many involved. Over 1,500 individuals have faced charges following the riot, which resulted in over 100 police injuries and significant unrest in the nation's Capitol.

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