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Published on January 21, 2025
Trump Unleashes Pardon Power, Ex-Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Among Capitol Rioters FreedSource: Wikipedia/Shealeah Craighead, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Just hours after his return to the White House, President Donald Trump issued a wave of pardons, significantly affecting individuals sentenced in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Among those pardoned was Enrique Tarrio, the ex-Proud Boys leader serving a 22-year term for seditious conspiracy, as well as other charges related to the Capitol breach, as reported by CBS News Miami.

Trump's decision, which came on the first day of his controversial second term, has started to reshape the fallout from the Capitol riot narrative. Despite not being physically present during the riot, Tarrio was convicted for his role in planning the events from outside of Washington, D.C. His attorney expressed optimism, stating, "This marks a pivotal moment in our client's life, and it symbolizes a turning point for our nation," in a statement obtained by NBC Miami. Tarrio's family has publicly celebrated his impending return, with his mother, Zuny Duarte, stating on social media, "My son has is being released!!!! Omg! Lord thank you!!! TARRIO IS FREE!!!" She further praised President Trump for giving her son and other January 6 defendants their lives back.

Another defendant granted clemency, Gabriel Garcia, shared his relief and future plans with CBS News Miami, saying, "Four years of this thing on me. Four years and just happy to be able to get it out the way and to get back to a normal life." As Trump's clemency extends to both non-violent and more serious offenders from the Capitol riot, the move has sparked conversations on national reconciliation and the administration's stance on the day's events. Trump described the pardons as rectifying what he considered a national injustice, yet, for some, his actions raise concerns about the message sent to the country regarding the rule of law.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies