More than 200 Capitol rioters freed from prison after Trump’s sweeping pardon

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - More than 200 people who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol were freed Tuesday after President Donald Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons said 211 people were released from federal facilities after Trump signed an executive order Monday pardoning all those accused in the riots cases.

Trump’s sweeping pardon, including individuals who assaulted police officers, drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is among lawmakers who blasted Trump, saying the move is "un-American."

"Let’s be clear. President Trump didn’t just pardon protesters. He pardoned some people convicted of assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy.

“It’s a betrayal of the highest order of our Capitol Police officers who risked their lives to keep us safe," the Democratic said Tuesday.

Republican Jerry Moran said it is "wrong" to pardon those convicted of violent crimes, especially when many of the victims of their violence were law enforcement officers.

But Trump defended his decision, saying these people have served years in jail, and their lives "have been ruined."

“But I can say this. Murderers today are not even charged. You have murderers that aren’t charged all over.

"These people have already served years in prison, and they’ve served them viciously. It’s a disgusting prison. It’s horrible. It’s been inhumane," he told reporters Tuesday.