A Presidential pardon is an official forgiveness of a crime, preventing or mitigating legal consequences for the individual(s) granted it. The January 6 Capitol attack involved individuals who were charged with various offenses in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Proponents argue that pardons could help heal national divisions, noting that many participants were motivated by political beliefs and may have been misled. They see pardons as an act of mercy that could reduce tension. Opponents argue that granting pardons would undermine accountability, signal that politically motivated violence can be excused, and erode the rule of law by removing consequences for serious offenses.
