Fri Jan 24 23:32:11 IST 2025: **Federal Judge Bans Capitol Riot Figures from D.C. Following Trump Pardons**
Washington, D.C. – A federal judge has issued a sweeping order barring several key figures involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot from entering Washington, D.C., without court permission. The decision, handed down Friday by Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, affects eight individuals, including Stewart Rhodes, the former leader of the Oath Keepers. This action comes just days after President Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the attack.
The order prohibits the individuals from entering the District of Columbia without prior court approval, a condition of their release from prison. While President Trump commuted Rhodes’ 18-year sentence, rather than offering a full pardon, Rhodes was released from prison and subsequently visited the Capitol building, meeting with at least one lawmaker and defending his actions. He echoed President Trump’s claims of a stolen 2020 election.
This action follows widespread concern from experts regarding the potential legitimization of political violence resulting from the presidential pardons. Among those pardoned was Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, who received a 22-year sentence. Since his release, Tarrio has appeared on far-right media, vowing “retribution.” President Trump himself has also employed strong rhetoric suggesting retribution against those involved in investigating the January 6th attack.
The judge’s order underscores the ongoing legal and political ramifications of the January 6th attack and the controversy surrounding the presidential pardons. The move is seen by many as an attempt to prevent further potential unrest and maintain order in the nation’s capital.
First Piper 