President-elect Donald Trump has said he would “absolutely” consider pardoning every Capitol rioter and has called them political prisoners and “hostages.”

Summary

The Justice Department is accelerating efforts to arrest the most violent Jan. 6 rioters, particularly those who committed felonies against law enforcement, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Trump has vowed to pardon some rioters, calling them “patriots” and “political prisoners.”

Prosecutors are instructed to expedite cases, emphasizing the need for justice for victims, primarily police officers who faced severe assaults.

Many prosecutors and victims, like retired Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, express dismay at the prospect of pardons, fearing it undermines accountability for the violence at the Capitol.

      • winterayars
        41·
        4 days ago

        This practice of appointing Republicans to critical positions to demonstrate bipartisanship has got to stop. (If the Dems ever get another chance, at least)

            • DancingBear@midwest.social
              11·
              3 days ago

              I am not excited about Trump winning but I’m also not so pessimistic as to think the government will be overthrown.

              If I remember correctly there was a long list of different generals and bureaucrats ready to resign if Trump went too unhinged rather than follow unconstitutional orders. He will also be surrounded by generals who I presume have small arms on their person at all times.

              Im fairly certain if for example he tried to use nuclear weapons without proper cause the secretary of defense or a general would punch him in the face rather than follow the order.