Hardline conservative Republican lawmakers have come out in defense of President Donald Trump's pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. They have expressed their support for Trump's decision and plan to meet with the rioters to hear their perspectives.
Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina stated that many of the rioters have already served time and emphasized that it was President Trump's prerogative to issue the pardons. He also voiced more concern over the preemptive pardons granted by President Joe Biden during his final hours in office.
When questioned about the individuals who attacked police officers during the riot, Norman downplayed their actions by pointing out that they had already served time, despite some not completing their full sentences.
Norman expressed his interest in meeting with the rioters to understand their side of the story. Similarly, GOP Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio characterized the pardons as a fulfillment of Trump's promises and suggested that some of the individuals charged were not even present in Washington, DC.
Davidson criticized the sentences handed down to the rioters, labeling them as 'insane' and 'unjust.' While he acknowledged that a 3-4 year sentence might be reasonable for those who assaulted officers, he condemned the judges for imposing what he deemed as excessive penalties.
The lawmakers' remarks underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the Capitol riot and the legal consequences faced by those involved. Their support for Trump's pardons reflects a broader division within the Republican Party regarding the events of January 6 and the subsequent legal proceedings.