"Governor Youngkin's Controversial Pardon Sparks Outrage and Accusations of Political Manipulation"

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has granted a pardon to Scott Smith, who was convicted on charges of obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct after a confrontation at a school board meeting regarding protections for transgender students. Smith's daughter had been sexually assaulted in a school bathroom. Youngkin's pardon stated that Smith was falsely accused of "domestic terrorism" and "hate crimes" for advocating for his daughter. The obstruction of justice conviction was dismissed on appeal, but Smith was set to go to trial for disorderly conduct. The case sparked national debates on transgender student rights, and the school board eventually fired its superintendent after mishandling the assaults.