Former militia leaders Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio walked free from federal custody after years behind bars.
According to ABC News, President Donald Trump's sweeping pardon of January 6 Capitol riot defendants resulted in the immediate release of the Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio from prison on Tuesday.
The high-profile releases mark a significant turning point in the aftermath of the Capitol attack, as Rhodes and Tarrio had been serving lengthy prison sentences of 18 and 22 years respectively for their roles in the January 6 events. Both men were convicted of seditious conspiracy, with Tarrio receiving the longest sentence among all Capitol riot defendants.
Christopher Wray's testimony from March 2021 resurfaced as the pardoned leaders emerged from custody. During his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the former FBI director categorized both organizations as domestic extremist groups. The militia groups' involvement in the Capitol attack led to extensive investigations and subsequent prosecutions.
Federal prosecutors previously demonstrated that the Oath Keepers, under Rhodes's leadership, had stockpiled weapons at a Washington DC hotel and coordinated attack plans. Despite Rhodes not physically entering the Capitol building, evidence showed his involvement in orchestrating efforts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
Upon his release, Rhodes maintained his stance on the 2020 election. Speaking to reporters outside the DC Central Detention Facility, he expressed his beliefs about the election's legitimacy: "I believe the 2020 election was unconstitutional. It violated state election laws."
The Department of Justice's statistics reveal the extensive scope of the Capitol riot prosecutions. Nearly 1,600 individuals faced charges related to the attack, with 608 specifically charged for confrontations with law enforcement. The violence resulted in approximately 140 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries during the riot.
Current and former DOJ officials have voiced serious concerns about the pardons' potential consequences. They worry that freed defendants might target prosecutors, judges, or witnesses involved in their cases. These concerns stem from the violent nature of many pardoned offenses.
Supporters gathered outside detention facilities to celebrate the releases. The crowd displayed Trump flags and carried signs with messages supporting the pardoned individuals. Their presence highlighted the continued political divisions surrounding the January 6 events.
The mass release of convicted riot participants marks a controversial new chapter in the January 6 aftermath. Many of those freed had been convicted of violent offenses, including assaulting police officers and threatening members of Congress.
A gathering of Trump supporters, including Proud Boys members, assembled to welcome the released individuals. They brought American flags and Trump banners, along with signs expressing solidarity with those they considered "hostages."
The Department of Justice's extensive investigation and prosecution efforts, which resulted in hundreds of convictions, now face a dramatic reversal through presidential action. This development raises questions about the long-term implications for future cases involving political violence.
The release of Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, along with other January 6 defendants, represents a significant shift in the legal aftermath of the Capitol attack. Trump's pardons effectively nullified years of prosecutorial work and multiple jury convictions related to the events of January 6, 2021. As these individuals return to society, law enforcement officials remain vigilant about potential security implications while supporters celebrate their freedom.
