Pamela Hemphill, a convicted participant in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, has refused a pardon from former President Donald Trump, stating that accepting it would undermine accountability and justice.
Hemphill, who pleaded guilty and served a 60-day prison sentence, told the BBC that there should be “no pardons” for those involved in the attack.
“Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law, and, of course, our nation,” she said. “I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative.”
Often referred to as the “MAGA Granny” due to her support for Trump, Hemphill criticized the former president and his allies for attempting to “rewrite history” regarding the riot.
Trump Pardons Nearly 1,600 Capitol Rioters
Trump, who pardoned or commuted the sentences of nearly 1,600 individuals linked to the Capitol riot, defended the mass clemency decision, saying,
“These people have already served years in prison, and they’ve served them viciously. It’s a disgusting prison. It’s been horrible. It’s inhumane. It’s been a terrible, terrible thing.”
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions, even within the Republican Party. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he “just can’t agree” with the decision, citing “legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.” Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma told CNN,
“I think we need to continue to say we are a party of law and order. If you attack a police officer, that’s a very serious issue and they should pay a price for that.”
Jacob Chansley Among Those Pardoned
Among the pardoned individuals is Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” who was one of the most recognizable figures from the riot. Chansley, who served 27 months of his 41-month sentence before his release in 2023, expressed his excitement upon hearing the news from his lawyer.
“I walked outside and I screamed ‘freedom’ at the top of my lungs and then gave a good Native American war cry,” he said.
Right to Refuse a Pardon
Hemphill’s decision to reject the pardon is rare but legally valid. According to Cornell Law School, the U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled that individuals have the right to decline a presidential pardon.
Trump’s sweeping clemency decision marks a controversial moment in his political career, with ongoing debates over accountability, justice, and the future of those involved in the January 6 riot.
