Derrick Evans, a former West Virginia lawmaker, is among those hoping for a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump following his conviction for participating in the January 6th Capitol riot. Evans, who pleaded guilty to civil disorder and spent three months in federal prison in 2022, believes a pardon would be “life changing.” He was part of the violent mob that stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 election results.
Evans, who was a member of the West Virginia legislature at the time of the attack, was one of at least 2,000 rioters who took part in the siege. The event was fueled by the false belief that Trump, not Joe Biden, had won the presidency.
Trump’s Promise to Pardon Rioters
During his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to pardon the rioters, whom he has described as “patriots” and “political prisoners.” In March, Trump took to his Truth Social account, stating that one of his first acts as president would be to “free the January 6 hostages.” He reiterated this commitment at a National Association of Black Journalists event in Chicago in July, saying he would pardon those he believed to be “innocent.”
However, Trump has stopped short of endorsing a blanket pardon for all rioters. He told CNN, “I am inclined to pardon many of them,” but added, “I can’t say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control.” His campaign has since clarified that decisions on pardons would be made “on a case-by-case basis.”
Legal Challenges and Delayed Hearings
As the new administration prepares to take office, many of the individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot are still navigating the legal system. Nearly 600 people have been arrested for offenses ranging from assaulting police officers to participating in violent acts during the attack. Some of the individuals with the longest sentences, like Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, were convicted of seditious conspiracy and other serious charges for orchestrating the riot.
Arrests are still being made, with the FBI continuing to search for suspects involved in violent assaults on law enforcement officers during the siege. As of last week, the Justice Department was prioritizing the prosecution of the “most egregious” cases before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Riots and Pardons: Defendants Ask for Delays
Several individuals who have pleaded guilty or are awaiting sentencing have asked for delays in their hearings, hoping that pardons could be issued soon after Trump takes office. Christopher Carnell, a North Carolina man convicted of riot-related charges, requested a delay in his hearing last week, citing the possibility of “clemency actions” from the president. His request was denied, as was a similar request from Jonathanpeter Klein, who sought to delay his sentencing scheduled for November 15.
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Wendy Via, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), has observed growing anticipation among the rioters and their supporters. “People on fringe sites are calling for the release of what they are calling the January 6 ‘prisoners of war’ or ‘hostages,’” Via said.
Pardon Enthusiasm Among Rioters
Jake Lang, one of the rioters charged with assaulting police officers, has been vocal about his belief that Trump will soon pardon him and others. He posted on social media after Trump’s victory, stating, “I’M COMING HOME!!!! THE JANUARY 6 POLITICAL PRISONERS ARE FINALLY COMING HOME!!!!”
Some groups are planning to lay low until Trump’s inauguration and potential pardons. A message on a Proud Boys channel advised members to avoid attending the January inauguration and instead “celebrate the inauguration of our President and the imminent release of our Boys.”
Concerns Over Justice System
While Evans and others like him are hopeful for a pardon, critics, including Via, argue that pardons for riot participants would undermine the justice system. Via warned that such actions would “make a mockery” of the legal process and send a dangerous message that violence is an acceptable response to political defeat.
For now, the fate of the Capitol riot defendants remains uncertain. Although it seems unlikely that all riot-related charges will be dismissed, figures like Derrick Evans continue to call for pardons, hoping that a future Trump administration will grant them the clemency they seek. Evans also suggested that a pardon would not be enough to compensate him and others for their time spent in prison, calling for “reparations and restitution” as well.
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