Trump Pardons January 6 Rioters, Including Militia Member and FBI Threatener
Former President Donald Trump has granted pardons to individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Among those pardoned are militia member Dan Wilson and Suzanne Kaye, who threatened FBI agents.
Details of the Pardons
Dan Wilson’s Pardon
Dan Wilson received a pardon for separate firearm offenses related to his prior involvement in the Capitol incident. Initially, Wilson’s firearms offenses in Kentucky were not included in his Inauguration Day pardon. In April, a D.C. appeals court dismissed his appeal to vacate these firearm-related sentences, emphasizing that the original pardon did not cover these charges.
- Pardon Date: Recently issued by Trump
- Related Offenses: Kentucky firearms offenses
- Pardon Advocate: U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin
The White House noted that these firearm charges were interconnected with the January 6 investigations. Officials indicated that unauthorized firearms were discovered during a search linked to Wilson’s involvement with the riot.
Suzanne Kaye’s Pardon
Suzanne Kaye was also granted a pardon after serving time for threatening FBI agents via a video in 2021. Her remarks were directed towards agents investigating her activities on January 6. Kaye was arrested in February of the same year due to these threats.
- Incident Date: January 6, 2021
- Arrest Date: February 2021
- Threat Description: Kaye threatened to shoot FBI agents in a social media post.
Ed Martin, who advocated for Kaye’s pardon, emphasized that the Biden administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) targeted her unjustly. He expressed hope that Trump’s actions would begin the process of healing following the DOJ’s “weaponization” of law enforcement against individuals linked to January 6.
Political Reactions
Trump has voiced pride in his previous pardons related to the January 6 events. This latest round further highlights his support for individuals facing legal repercussions from those incidents.
As this situation unfolds, the impact of these pardons on future political and legal discussions regarding the January 6 riot will likely be significant.
