Donald Trump doubled down on his promise to pardon Jan. 6 rioters if he wins the election, including those who attacked police officers, threatened the lives of elected officials, and vandalized the Capitol building.
“My question is on those rioters who assaulted officers. Would you pardon those people?” the interviewer asked Trump during a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists.
"Oh, absolutely, I would. If they're innocent, I would pardon them," Trump said.
Over 140 police officers were injured in the Jan. 6 attack. Rioters caused over $2.8 million in damages to the Capitol building and grounds.
More than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, and prosecutors have secured more than 1,000 convictions. As of January 2024, 718 people have pleaded guilty; 213 of them to felonies. Hundreds of cases are still pending.
Trump has previously referred to Jan. 6 rioters as "unbelievable patriots."
