The aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory continues to reverberate in Washington, DC, with potential implications for defendants charged in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. Some individuals involved in the riot are anticipating pardons from the incoming president, who has made promises in that regard.
One of the rioters has already attempted to leverage Trump's victory to delay his case proceedings, claiming he expects to receive clemency. Lawyers for Christopher Carnell, an 18-year-old nonviolent participant in the Capitol breach, cited Trump's campaign pledges of clemency for such defendants in a court filing. Carnell has been convicted on seven counts, including disorderly conduct in a restricted building, and is among the over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the riot, with more than 1,000 already convicted.
While Carnell awaits clarity on potential clemency actions from the incoming administration, Federal Judge Beryl Howell swiftly rejected his request to postpone a scheduled hearing. Trump has previously expressed his willingness to pardon January 6 defendants, emphasizing that he would consider pardoning those he deems innocent.
