Trump: "I Will Pardon Those Involved in the Capitol Riot If I Win the Next Presidential Election"

Former U.S. President Donald Trump [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible run in the 2024 presidential election while announcing a pardon for participants who have been punished or are at risk of punishment in connection with the 'Capitol riot' that occurred on January 6 last year.

According to AP and others on the 30th (local time), Trump said in a speech at the 'Save America' rally held in Conroe, Texas, the previous night, "If I run and win (the 2024 presidential election), I will treat fairly those who participated on January 6." He added, "They are being treated very unfairly, so if a pardon is needed, I will pardon them."

The January 6 event mentioned by former President Trump refers to when his supporters held a rally near the White House claiming 'election fraud,' then stormed the U.S. Congress to confirm President Joe Biden's election victory, breaking windows and attacking Capitol police officers, causing a riot.

At the time, criticism arose both inside and outside the U.S. calling it a 'challenge to democracy.' Lawmakers and congressional staff who felt threatened by the riot in Congress evacuated urgently, and the confirmation of Biden's election victory was delayed. Subsequently, the Department of Justice indicted more than 700 people related to this incident, CNN reported.

Within the Republican Party, there were rebuttals to former President Trump's pardon remarks. Senator Susan Collins (Maine), one of the seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, said, "January 6 was a dark day in our history," calling Trump's pardon mention inappropriate and stating she would not support him even if he runs in the presidential election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.