Trump signs order to release 1,500 prisoners arrested in Capitol riots

Donald Trump is issuing executive orders one after another after being sworn in as president | Photo: Reuters

Shortly after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump signed an executive order to release nearly 1,500 of his supporters who were arrested on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, for their involvement in the riot at the US Capitol. 

Derek Strom, the lead attorney in the Capitol riot case, confirmed that the prisoners are expected to be released from Washington prisons before Monday night, local time. 

Trump had previously hinted at this decision, signaling months ago that he intended to pardon and release his supporters involved in the Capitol riot. He acted on this pledge as one of his first official actions after taking the oath of office for his second term.

On January 6, 2021, supporters of then-US President Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol | Photo: Reuters

The riot, which occurred four years ago, disrupted a joint session of the Senate and Congress as lawmakers were in the process of confirming Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Supporters of then-President Trump stormed the Capitol building to halt the certification process, leading to chaos and widespread condemnation. 

On the fourth anniversary of the incident, outgoing President Joe Biden reflected on the events, stating, “What happened on January 6, 2021, should not be forgotten or rewritten four years later.” 

The decision to release the Capitol riot prisoners is already sparking heated debate, with critics arguing it undermines accountability, while supporters applaud the move as an act of justice for those they believe were unfairly treated.