Anna Hartz
Presidential pardons have long been a powerful tool in U.S. politics.
Presidential pardons can restore freedom, wipe out convictions, and sometimes spark controversy. Donald Trump has used this power repeatedly, including for people involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. His latest move adds another layer to that story.
Originally Scheduled for Release in 2028
Donald Trump has pardoned Dan Wilson, a member of the far-right militia Oath Keepers, according to Digi24. Wilson took part in the Capitol assault on January 6, 2021. He wore a gas mask during the attack. He was already pardoned by Trump on inauguration day, January 21, 2021, along with about 1,500 other participants.
However, Wilson remained in prison on separate charges. He had been convicted of illegal possession of firearms at his home in Kentucky. He was sentenced to five years in prison and was scheduled for release in 2028.
Friday’s pardon decree, seen by AFP, states that Wilson’s pardon is “total and unconditional.” His lawyers, George Pallas and Carol Stewart, said he was relieved to be reunited with his family after “more than seven months of unjust imprisonment.” They said the pardon also shows the deep divisions in the country.
Trump Extends Pardon to Also Cover Gun Charges
Earlier this year, the Trump administration said the original pardon did not cover Wilson’s firearms conviction. They argued that the gun charges were separate from the January 6 attack.
A few weeks later, the Justice Department reversed that position. They said the pardon should also apply to the gun offenses because the weapons were discovered during an FBI search related to the riot.
Donald Trump has repeatedly minimized the events of January 6. He has called it a “day of love” and “an outpouring of affection” for him. On that day, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. They tried to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory. The attack left five people dead and shocked the United States and the world.
Wilson’s case is one of the last high-profile pardons for participants still in prison. It raises questions about the limits of presidential power, accountability, and how the nation continues to grapple with the events of that day.
Sources: Digi24
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, who may have used AI in the preparation
