January 6 US Capitol Attackers Are Rejecting Donald Trump’s Pardon. Here’s Why

Washington DC:

At least two people, who were convicted in connection with the US Capitol riots, have “rejected” the pardon issued by President Donald Trump. Jason Riddle and Pamela Hemphill believe their actions on January 6, 2021, were not pardonable and accepting Mr Trump’s clemency would contribute to “propaganda” that the attack “was a peaceful protest”.

Speaking to The Guardian on Thursday, 71-year-old Hemphill said she was taking responsibility for her role in attempting to prevent the certification of former President Joe Biden’s victory over Mr Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

“Accepting Trump’s pardon would contribute to propaganda that [the attack] was a peaceful protest,” she said. Hemphill had received a 60-day misdemeanour prison sentence and three years of probation after pleading guilty in 2022 to illicitly demonstrating, picketing or parading at the Capitol. 

Later on Friday, US Navy veteran Riddle, who received a 90-day prison