Former Vice President Mike Pence has made it clear that he does not support pardoning individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, despite calls from some of his former boss’s allies and supporters. Speaking at the 2024 Dispatch Summit in Washington, D.C., Pence reaffirmed his position that the rioters, who assaulted law enforcement officers and disrupted the certification of the Electoral College results, should face the consequences of their actions.
On that fateful day, Pence was directly targeted by an angry mob of Trump supporters who believed he had the power to block the certification of the 2020 election results. Some even chanted “Hang Mike Pence” as they stormed the Capitol, enraged by his refusal to interfere in the electoral process. In his remarks, Pence condemned the violence and expressed his firm belief that those who participated in the attack on the Capitol should not receive leniency, especially those who physically harmed police officers.
“I do not believe the president needs to pardon anybody who attacked a police officer at the United States Capitol on January 6,” Pence stated. His comments stand in contrast to former President Donald Trump’s repeated promises to pardon a significant number of the rioters, many of whom he and some of his allies have described as patriots who were unjustly prosecuted. Trump has expressed his intent to consider pardoning those convicted of crimes related to the Capitol breach, arguing that many of them were simply expressing their political views.
Pence, however, has made it very clear that he and his spouse are praying for Trump and the incoming administration to remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. “We pray that Trump and Vance will stand by the promises that they make when they take the oath of office,” he said.
Despite the continued push from some Trump supporters to have the rioters pardoned, Pence’s stance underscores a critical divide within the Republican Party on how to address the actions of those involved in the Capitol attack. While some believe that many of the rioters acted out of misguided loyalty to Trump and should be forgiven, others, like Pence, argue that accountability is essential to preserving the integrity of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The debate over pardoning the January 6 rioters has become a significant issue as Trump gears up for a potential second term in office. Trump has repeatedly stated that he is “inclined to pardon many” of those involved in the riot, but has also suggested that he would carefully review each case individually. This promise has sparked hope among some of the imprisoned rioters, who view a potential Trump pardon as their ticket to freedom.
One such individual is Edward Jacob Lang, who faces charges related to the Capitol riot. Lang, who describes himself as a “political prisoner,” has been vocal in his belief that he was unfairly treated and that a pardon from Trump would right the wrongs he perceives. The ongoing legal cases and discussions surrounding the rioters are likely to remain a contentious issue as the nation approaches the 2024 election.
While Pence and Trump may differ on the issue of pardons, both remain committed to the principles of law and order, with Pence emphasizing the need for those who engaged in violent acts on January 6 to be held accountable, while Trump promises to weigh each case individually. This split in perspectives reflects the broader debate within the Republican Party as it grapples with how to move forward after the events of that day.