Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of pardoning his supporters who participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6 if he returns to the White House. Trump stated on Saturday night during a rally in Conroe, Texas: "If I run and win, we will treat those people who participated in the events of January 6 fairly... And if it requires a pardon, we will grant them pardons because they are being treated unfairly."
This statement represents an attempt by Trump to downplay the largest attack on the government headquarters since the War of 1812. Participants broke windows, assaulted police officers, and forced legislators and congressional staff to flee for their lives while trying to stop the peaceful transfer of power and certification of rival Joe Biden's victory.
More than 700 individuals have been arrested and charged with federal crimes related to the riot, marking the largest investigation in the history of the Department of Justice. The investigation includes over 150 individuals charged with assaulting police officers and more than 50 charged with conspiracy, alongside charges against the founder and leader of the far-right militia Oath Keepers and ten other members or associates.
More than 100 police officers were injured, some seriously, after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, following a “Stop the Steal” rally organized by Trump's supporters near the White House, during which Trump falsely claimed that Biden won the election through fraud.
Trump criticized the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives for continuing its investigations into the riot. While his supporters were rampaging through the Capitol on January 6, Trump ignored pleas from allies to distance himself from the attack and repeatedly praised those involved. Recently, regarding the participants, Trump said in an interview with Fox News: "There was a lot of love... Believe me, there was a lot of love and friendship and people who love our country."
