Former President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Clinton, Iowa, on Saturday, suggested that President Biden should release individuals who were serving prison sentences for their involvement in the January 6 riot at the US Capitol.
Addressing the crowd, Trump stated, “Release the J6 hostages, Joe. Release them, Joe. You can do it real easy, Joe.”
These remarks were made on the third anniversary of the fatal attack on the US Capitol.
The specific individuals Trump was referring to remain unclear, particularly considering that many individuals convicted of misdemeanors in connection with the incident have already fulfilled their sentences.
Since the Capitol riot, nearly 1,200 people have faced charges, with over 700 entering guilty pleas, predominantly for misdemeanors.
Additionally, more than 100 individuals have been convicted through jury or bench trials in Washington, DC It is noteworthy that a significant number of those who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors have already completed their sentences.
A CBS News poll unveiled on Saturday revealed that two-thirds of Republicans endorse Trump’s proposal to grant pardons to individuals implicated in the January 6 attacks.
Biden Labels Rioters as ‘Trump’s Mob’ in Reelection Campaign
In a campaign address delivered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on Friday, President Biden referred to the rioters as “Trump’s mob,” underscoring a pivotal theme in his reelection campaign.
The most severe sentences stemming from the riot were imposed on Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 21-year prison term in September of the previous year for his involvement in orchestrating the assault, and Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, who received an 18-year sentence in May 2022.
The ongoing investigation into individuals who may have committed offenses on January 6 resulted in the apprehension of three additional fugitives on the current Saturday.
According to investigators, 140 police officers were assaulted at the Capitol on January 6, and five officers succumbed in the days and weeks following the riot.
Trump’s comments emerged one day after the US Supreme Court agreed to examine whether Trump is ineligible to appear on Colorado’s Republican primary ballot due to his actions leading up to and on January 6, 2021.
Last month, in a 4-3 ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court determined that Trump is disqualified for violating the Constitution’s insurrection clause, specifically Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
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