‘National Hero’: Pardoned J6 Rioters Rewrite History at CPAC

The Conservative Political Action Conference: A Celebration of the J6 Rioters

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), marking its first significant gathering since President Donald Trump’s second term inauguration, transformed into a notable platform for the celebration of pardoned individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Those who had been convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement were now hailed as heroes within the conservative movement.

Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon excitedly announced, “The J6ers are here at CPAC!” during the conference, which sparked enthusiastic applause from attendees. Historically, CPAC has supported Trump’s narrative that painted the riot participants as victims of a corrupt judicial system. This year, however, that sentiment was amplified, especially after Trump granted clemency to all J6 rioters on his first day back in office.

During a panel titled “The J6 Sham” on Friday, conservative commentator Julie Kelly expressed gratitude towards Trump for his actions and emphasized a newfound solidarity among the Capitol stormers and their backers. “Now it’s cool,” she remarked, noting that the movement to free the J6ers has gained traction, unlike in the past.

Read more: At CPAC, More Talk of Trolling Europe Than Defending Ukraine

At the event held at National Harbor in Maryland, which included speeches from figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and tech mogul Elon Musk, the atmosphere diverged sharply from the national sentiment. A recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll revealed that over 80% of Americans oppose pardons for those guilty of violent crimes, with more than half also disapproving of pardons for nonviolent offenses. Yet, at CPAC, the prevailing mood was one of celebration. Several pardoned rioters appeared on Bannon’s “War Room” show, relishing their moment of public recognition. “We became celebrities here. It’s bizarre,” commented Brian Mock, who faced multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including assaulting law enforcement officers. Many expressed intentions to seek financial compensation for their prison time.

Prominent figures among the pardoned rioters, including former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, mingled with attendees, taking the opportunity to engage in conversations and take selfies. On Friday afternoon, they held a press conference on the Capitol grounds, where the mood was lighthearted as they reveled in their pardons, chanting “USA.” Joe Biggs, another former Proud Boys leader, who was sentenced to 17 years for his involvement in the riot, encouraged attendees to “get over it,” asserting their presence as a sign of their resilience. (Tarrio faced arrest after the press conference for an alleged assault on a counter-protester, according to U.S. Capitol Police.)

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, CPAC was not without its controversies. Reports emerged that some pardoned rioters were initially denied entry, leading to discontent on social media. Richard Barnett, known for his infamous photo with his feet on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk during the riot, claimed he was turned away despite his pardon. “I am considered a national hero,” he stated in a social media video. “I’m a J6er and I have an unlimited, unconditional presidential pardon from President Trump… I answered his call and stood up for my country.”

“I don’t understand why CPAC would do this to me,” he continued. Rhodes also faced initial denial of entry, sparking outrage among supporters who viewed it as a betrayal. In response, CPAC quickly issued a statement on X, clarifying that no individuals were barred based on their involvement in January 6. “It is untrue that we are not allowing people to come to CPAC because of their involvement with J6,” the statement asserted. “In fact, CPAC has consistently supported this persecuted community and fully endorses President Trump’s pardons of the J6 victims.” Eventually, the pardoned rioters were allowed access, and the celebration resumed.

As the pardoned rioters enjoyed their moment in the spotlight, the implications of their actions continued to reverberate through the political landscape. Although Trump frequently indicated during his campaign that he would pardon some connected to the Capitol riot, many of his allies speculated he would refrain from pardoning those convicted of violent felonies, such as assaulting law enforcement or participating in a riot. Ultimately, Trump’s sweeping pardon encompassed nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the January 6 events, inciting backlash from law enforcement and some Republican figures. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, criticized the decision, calling it a “mistake” to pardon individuals who violently assaulted police officers. During a recent confirmation hearing for FBI Director, Kash Patel expressed his disapproval of pardoning anyone who had committed violence against law enforcement.

As J6ers basked in their newfound recognition, the broader Republican Party faces the challenge of reconciling its evolving identity. At CPAC, many participants viewed the pardons as a corrective measure, echoing sentiments from Trump loyalists like Bannon, who hailed them as a victory against a “deep state” that unjustly targeted conservatives. “It took tremendous courage for President Trump to do that,” Bannon remarked.