Leaders of ultranationalist organizations, Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, were released from prison thanks to pardons and commutations granted by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to those charged in the Capitol attack in 2021.
The release of Enrique Tarrio, former leader of Proud Boys, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers, is significant as these two organizations led the violent assault, and the release order was executed shortly after being signed by Trump.
The promise of presidential pardon was one of Trump's first executive orders and will affect approximately 1,500 individuals charged for the attack that sought to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.
"We are hostages of the Democrats," Trump stated referring to those pardoned, highlighting the commutation of sentences for 14 members of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, including Rhodes, sentenced to 18 years in prison, and Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for "sedition."
Following the announcement, Trump supporters gathered outside the detention center in Washington waiting for the release of the leaders. However, it was not specified when all the pardons will take effect.
More than 730 people have been convicted for their participation in the Capitol insurrection attempt, with about 300 still awaiting trial, including some accused of violent crimes such as assaults on police. Four people died in the assault, and more than 140 officers were injured.
