On the final day of federal court proceedings before Donald Trump's presidency concludes, Judge Tanya Chutkan addressed a defendant involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The defendant, Brian Leo Kelly, admitted to disorderly conduct and trespassing inside the Capitol. Judge Chutkan expressed that this case might be the last one she sentences due to potential blanket pardons expected from Trump, especially for nonviolent offenders.
If Trump grants pardons to violent offenders and seditious conspirators as well, individuals currently serving prison time could be released from federal custody. During the recent court session, various defendants were sentenced, including Kellye SoRelle for obstructing justice, brothers who assaulted police, a man who damaged a historic Senate door, and two individuals who sprayed police with chemical irritants.
The atmosphere at the Washington, DC, federal courthouse on Friday mirrored the security measures implemented post-January 6. The building was surrounded by tall fencing, a surveillance helicopter monitored the area, and law enforcement had closed down surrounding streets for security reasons.
