Convicted Capitol rioter turns down Trump's pardon with defiant message for one reason

A convicted Capitol rioter has turned down Donald Trump's pardon with a defiant message for one particular reason.

In his first 24 hours of being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders - legally-binding written documents to the federal government that do not require congressional approval.

One of which saw him sign pardons for around 1,500 defendants who took part in the US Capitol riots back in January 2021, following Biden's election victory.

An executive order on The White House's website reads: "This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation."

The day after his inauguration on Tuesday (21 January), Trump said in a news conference at the White House: "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."

Since then, Pamela Hemphill - who was dubbed 'MAGA Granny' on social media in reference to Trump's 'make America great again' slogan - has spoken out on the pardon.

Trump has already signed many executive orders since the start of his second term (Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in prison following her involvement in the riot, which saw around 140 police officers from the US Capitol police and DC police injured on the day (6 January 2021).

The attack has also been linked to nine deaths.

Hemphill has since declared hat there should be no pardons for the riot, saying: "Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation.

"I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon also would serve to contribute to their gaslighting and false narrative.

"We were wrong that day, we broke the law - there should be no pardons," she told the BBC World Service's Newsday programme.

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which endorsed Trump in September 2024, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), have since issued a statement on Trump's decision - despite the fact the president repeatedly stated during his presidential campaign that he planned to pardon those convicted in connection with the riot.

Capitol rioter Pamela Hemphill said 'there should be no pardons' (TNS)

"The IACP and FOP are deeply discouraged by the recent pardons and commutations granted by both the Biden and Trump administrations to individuals convicted of killing or assaulting law enforcement officers. The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences," the IACP and FOP statement said.

It continued: "Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety – they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law. Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families.

"When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence."