Prisoners are being released after President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned or commuted the sentences of those convicted in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Why It Matters

Trump's first action after returning to the White House was pardoning about 1,500 people who were convicted in connection with the January 6 attack that saw a mob of his supporters storm the Capitol in a bid to stop the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election victory and keep Trump in power. He commuted the sentences of another 14 people, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.

Trump's executive order directs the attorney general to ensure all those convicted of offenses related to the Capitol riot "who are currently held in prison are released immediately." The pardons are a culmination of Trump's effort to rewrite the history of an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy, and pave the way for the release of the leaders of far-right extremist groups and people found guilty of violently attacking police officers.

Who Is Being Released?

Fourteen individuals are being released after their prison sentences were commuted:

Stewart Rhodes: Convicted of seditious conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, and tampering with documents. Sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Kelly Meggs: Convicted of seditious conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging their duties, and tampering with documents. Sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Kenneth Harrelson: Acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of obstructing an official proceeding, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging duties, and tampering with documents. Sentenced to 4 years in prison.

Edward Vallejo: Convicted of seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy to prevent Members of Congress from discharging their duties. Sentenced to 3 years in prison, with the first year on home confinement.