The pardons were issued just one day before the annual “March for Life,” an event where anti-abortion activists gather in Washington….reports Asian Lite News
U.S. President Donald Trump granted pardons to 23 anti-abortion protesters on Thursday, including individuals convicted for blocking access to a reproductive health clinic in Washington. The protestors were involved in a 2020 conspiracy to obstruct the clinic and intimidate patients and staff.
One of the pardoned individuals, Lauren Handy, had been found with five foetuses in her home following her indictment. Trump expressed his belief that these individuals should not have been prosecuted, citing the age of some of the convicts. “This is a great honour to sign this. They’ll be very happy,” Trump said.
The pardons were issued just one day before the annual “March for Life,” an event where anti-abortion activists gather in Washington. Abortion rights have remained a central issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, ending nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion.
Trump earlier issued pardons for over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack, including members of the Proud Boys and other far-right groups.
Signed on Monday, the sweeping proclamation grants “full, complete, and unconditional” pardons to nearly all individuals convicted or charged for their roles in the riot while directing the Justice Department to drop around 300 pending cases.
The January 6 Capitol assault, which followed Trump’s speech alleging election fraud and urging his supporters to march to Congress, disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.
The attack resulted in extensive chaos, injuries, and destruction, leading to charges ranging from trespassing to serious felonies, including seditious conspiracy and assaults on law enforcement officers.
From the Oval Office, Trump referred to those convicted and charged as “hostages,” declaring, “Approximately 1,500 for a pardon – full pardon. We hope they come out tonight.”
His sweeping clemency surpasses the expectations of many, including GOP leaders and advisers who had suggested limiting pardons to nonviolent offenders, reports CNN.
Among those pardoned are individuals convicted of assaulting police officers and impeding law enforcement. These include Julian Khater, who attacked US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick with chemical spray; Devlyn Thompson, who struck an officer with a metal baton; and Robert Palmer, who assaulted officers with a fire extinguisher and other objects.
In addition to the full pardons, Trump commuted the sentences of 14 far-right extremists, including members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who were convicted or charged with seditious conspiracy.
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