The anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol looms heavy over the day as Congress meets to certify President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. Though the Department of Justice has spent the last four years investigating and prosecuting those involved in the attack, Donald Trump is expected to follow through on his campaign promise to grant pardons or commute their sentences.
The Department of Justice has charged more than 1,580 individuals for crimes related to the attack. Among these, over 170 were accused of using dangerous weapons like bear spray and fire extinguishers against law enforcement officers. While many faced nonviolent misdemeanor charges, others were prosecuted for more severe offenses, including conspiring to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
To date, over 1,000 defendants have admitted guilt, and approximately 220 were found guilty at trial. Around 1,100 cases have been fully resolved, and many of those convicted have already completed their prison terms.
Of those convicted, at least 159 had previous offenses, including violent crimes and domestic abuse. One notable case involves Peter Schwartz, who has a criminal record spanning over three decades. Prosecutors described Schwartz’s actions on January 6 as consistent with his history of violence, including 38 prior convictions. He is currently serving a 14-year sentence for assaulting police officers with dangerous weapons.
The Justice Department is considering charging up to 200 more people for their involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump’s Promise to Pardon the Attackers
President-elect Trump has expressed sympathy for the Jan. 6 defendants, suggesting many were treated unfairly.
In December, Trump told NBC that he wanted to “pardon the Jan. 6 rioters on the first day of his administration” and said “people on the Jan. 6 committee in Congress belonged in jail.”
