More than 200 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol were released from correctional facilities following pardons from U.S. President Donald Trump, a decision criticized by law enforcement.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported this development.
Law enforcement officials stated that after Trump pardoned nearly 1,500 people charged in connection with the Capitol attack, 211 individuals were freed from federal facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons received the information on the evening of the same day, and after a brief verification, the order was relayed to the institution where the detainees were held.
It was noted that by 9:30 AM on January 21, all individuals who had been pardoned or had their sentences reduced by Trump were released from custody.
However, as reported by Reuters, this decision faced condemnation, particularly from law enforcement agencies.
The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police issued a joint statement expressing their “deep disappointment” with the pardons.
Trump’s order also directed the Department of Justice to close all cases related to the January 6 attack, including hundreds of criminal proceedings in which defendants were awaiting trial or sentencing.
