Should Jan. 6 Rioters Get Pardons? Vance Speaks Out

JD Vance, the future vice president, recently discussed who deserves presidential pardons for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He believes peaceful protesters, who have faced harsh treatment from the Department of Justice, should be pardoned. However, those who committed violence on that day should not. Vance's stance contrasts with President-elect Donald Trump's, who wants to pardon all his supporters who participated in the riot, including those convicted of violent crimes. Vance acknowledges a "gray area" for those who were provoked into violence and emphasizes the importance of equal law enforcement. He clarified that each case will be evaluated individually. The Capitol riot has resulted in over 1, 270 convictions and more than 1, 580 arrests. Many have completed their sentences or avoided jail time. The discussion on pardons continues, with Vance and Trump holding different views on who deserves clemency.