President-elect Donald Trump has sparked controversy by vowing to pardon many of the January 6 Capitol riot defendants, despite apparent gaps in his understanding of the cases. Trump has stated he will act quickly on pardons, though he seems unaware of the details, such as the fact that most convicted individuals are in federal prisons, not the D.C. jail. His comments have raised concerns among allies and critics, who suggest he needs a more informed and coherent argument for the pardons. The Justice Department continues its work on the cases, with a sense of pride in their efforts despite potential pardons.
Despite Donald Trump's promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters, the ongoing prosecutions and convictions remain significant, highlighting the Justice Department's extensive efforts to document the Capitol attack. While Trump's influence looms over court proceedings, the historical record of the riot and its legal consequences cannot be easily erased, underscoring the enduring impact of these trials on public memory and the rule of law.
A Justice Department report criticizes the FBI for missing a basic intelligence step before the January 6 Capitol riot, failing to canvass field offices for potential threats. The report found no undercover FBI employees in the protest but noted that some informants entered restricted areas. Former President Trump, set to begin a second term, has promised to consider pardons for January 6 defendants, including leaders of extremist groups.
An independent probe by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz found no evidence that federal agents incited the January 6 Capitol attack, countering claims by far-right figures. The report confirmed the presence of 26 FBI informants in Washington, D.C., but none were instructed to join or encourage the assault. The FBI was criticized for not fully canvassing field offices for intelligence before the event, though it took significant preparatory steps. Over 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the attack.
An independent probe by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz found no evidence that federal agents incited the January 6 Capitol attack, countering claims by far-right figures that the FBI was involved. The report confirmed the presence of 26 FBI informants in Washington, D.C., but none were instructed to join the assault or encourage illegal activity. The FBI was criticized for not properly canvassing field offices for intelligence prior to the attack, but the report noted the bureau took significant steps in preparation for January 6.
Edward Kelley, a convicted Jan. 6 rioter, has been found guilty of plotting to kill FBI agents investigating the Capitol insurrection. Kelley, who made a 'kill list' and planned attacks on the Knoxville FBI office, faces up to life in prison. He was previously convicted of assaulting law enforcement during the Capitol riot.
Edward Kelley, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot, has been convicted of plotting to murder FBI agents who investigated his involvement in the attack. Kelley, an anti-abortion activist, was found guilty of conspiracy to murder, solicitation to commit violence, and threatening federal officials. The trial, held in Knoxville, Tennessee, revealed that Kelley and co-defendant Austin Carter planned to target FBI employees involved in his case. Kelley will be sentenced for the murder plot in May, following his sentencing for the Capitol riot in April.
Ex-Army officer Edward Richmond Jr. was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for assaulting officers with a baton during the January 6 Capitol attack. Richmond, previously court-martialed for manslaughter in Iraq, was identified by online sleuths and arrested by the FBI. Despite his past conviction, Richmond participated in the Capitol violence, leading to his detention before trial. His defense argued for a lighter sentence, citing his role as a single father and solar panel technician, but the judge imposed a sentence at the low end of the guidelines.
Former NFL linebacker Antwione Williams has been charged with assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol attack. Williams, who was arrested in Georgia, faces felony charges for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2016 and played on practice squads for several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, but never appeared in a regular season game.
Former NFL linebacker Antwione Williams has been charged with assaulting law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol attack. Williams, who played for the Detroit Lions and the XFL's DC Defenders, is accused of being among the first to breach the Capitol's restricted perimeter and engaging in violent confrontations with police. He was identified through riot footage and social media images. Williams faces multiple charges, including assaulting officers and disorderly conduct, and was released on bond pending a court appearance in November.
Former NFL player Antwoine Williams has been charged with felony civil disorder and assaulting police in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Williams, identified by online volunteers as "RiotingGolfer," was seen in videos pulling barricades and hitting an officer. This marks the first Capitol riot-related case filed since Donald Trump's recent election win. Over 1,500 people have been arrested for the riot, and the FBI continues to seek other suspects.
Former NFL linebacker Leander Antwione Williams, who played for the Detroit Lions, has been arrested and charged with assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol riot. Williams, identified through tips and social media, allegedly engaged in violent acts against law enforcement, including pulling bike racks and striking an officer. His arrest highlights the Justice Department's ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals involved in the Capitol breach, despite potential pardons from former President Trump.
Zachary J. Alam, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot, was sentenced to eight years in prison after demanding a full pardon. Alam was notably recorded smashing glass windows leading to the Speaker's Lobby, creating an entry point for Ashli Babbitt, who was subsequently shot by a Capitol Police officer.
Former NASCAR Winston Cup driver Tighe John Scott, 75, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Scott faces multiple charges, including felony obstruction of law enforcement and assaulting officers. He, along with three other men, is accused of physically engaging with police and entering restricted Capitol grounds. Scott competed in NASCAR from 1976 to 1982, with his best season in 1978.
Former Boston police officer Joseph Fisher was sentenced to 20 months in prison for assaulting a Capitol Police officer with a chair during the Jan. 6 riot. Fisher, who previously helped in the response to the Boston Marathon bombing, expressed deep remorse for his actions, calling them "an abomination." Federal prosecutors had sought a longer sentence, citing Fisher's role in aiding a rioter's escape. Fisher was identified by online "sedition hunters" and pleaded guilty to all charges.
