In a notable event on Capitol Hill, Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the far-right group Oath Keepers, made an appearance following the commutation of his 18-year prison sentence by former President Donald Trump. Rhodes was released from prison just a day before, as Trump’s clemency order extended to over 1,500 individuals facing federal charges linked to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. His conviction was one of the most severe cases prosecuted by the Justice Department, especially significant given the riot resulted in injuries to more than 100 law enforcement officers.
Two federal judges made statements on Wednesday regarding the impact of President Trump’s pardons for those involved in the Capitol riots, emphasizing that the “truth” of the events cannot be altered. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly articulated that the extensive documentation from the day, including trial verdicts and riot footage, serves as a concrete reflection of what transpired, which remains unchanged regardless of narratives espoused by the accused or their supporters.
Similarly, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was involved in an election-related case against Trump that was ultimately dismissed, echoed Kollar-Kotelly’s sentiments. She asserted that the pardons issued for numerous rioters do not erase the stark realities surrounding the violent breach of the Capitol. She remarked that the day’s events caused irreparable harm to the tradition of peaceful power transition in America and highlighted the valor displayed by law enforcement personnel during the chaos.
Both judges are part of a larger group of over 20 judges who managed cases from the massive investigation that followed the Capitol riot, which remains the most extensive probe undertaken by the Justice Department to date. Kollar-Kotelly’s remarks were included in her order dismissing charges against a Georgia man, Dominic Box, who was among the initial group of insurrectionists to enter the Capitol building.
In the wake of the pardons issued prior to Trump’s second inauguration, federal judges at the Washington courthouse expressed their discontent regarding the blanket pardons for the rioters. Judge Carl Nichols openly criticized the decision, labeling it “beyond frustrating and disappointing.” Meanwhile, during a recent hearing, Judge Amit Mehta voiced concerns that pardoning Rhodes, who led a violent effort to keep Trump in power after the 2020 election, would set a dangerous precedent.
Dominic Box gained notoriety for his participation in the HBO documentary “Four Hours at the Capitol” following his conviction for obstructing law enforcement during the disturbance. He faced sentencing that had been set for February 21. Additionally, various other individuals convicted for their roles in the riot were awaiting their sentences pending the pardons. John Banuelos from Illinois saw his charges dropped after he was accused of firing a gun during the riot.
Judge Chutkan highlighted that over the past four years, judges have approached these cases with impartiality, ensuring that justice was served. She emphasized that the historical record from these proceedings must endure, unaffected by political influences, serving both as a testament and as a cautionary tale. In total, nearly 1,600 individuals have faced federal charges linked to the Capitol riot, with over 1,000 having entered guilty pleas and around 250 others being convicted after trials.
The riot saw significant injury to law enforcement, with over 130 officers experiencing harm during the events. Tragically, at least four officers took their own lives after the ordeal, and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick sadly collapsed and died shortly after engaging with protesters, having been determined to have died of natural causes by a medical examiner.
Judge Kollar-Kotelly solemnly concluded that the bravery displayed by law enforcement throughout the crisis must not be ignored or distorted. She praised these officers for their valor, stating that despite being vastly outnumbered, they passionately defended the Capitol, protecting Congressional members, staff, and the very essence of American democracy.
Both judges have made lasting contributions to the federal judiciary. Kollar-Kotelly was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997, while President Barack Obama nominated Chutkan to her position in 2014, and both have served the court through significant historical challenges.
