Jan. 6 Defendant Refuses Trump Pardon Amid Capitol Riot Cases

Pamela Hemphill, known as the 'MAGA Granny' and one of over 1,500 individuals pardoned by former President Donald Trump for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, has uniquely refused and returned her pardon. Convicted of misdemeanor charges and sentenced to probation and restitution, Hemphill says accepting the pardon would rewrite history and disrespect law enforcement, asserting that she and others were guilty and responsible for their actions. She has appealed to Republican Senator James Risch to help formally certify her rejection of the pardon, although the Department of Justice has stated it will not issue an official certificate for such refusal. Hemphill criticizes the pardons as political propaganda used to perpetuate a false narrative that the Justice Department was weaponized against January 6 defendants, contrasting her experience with the FBI as professional and respectful. Unlike many others who have embraced the pardons to mitigate legal consequences, Hemphill stands alone in publicly opposing the clemency as an attempt to obscure the facts and downplay the seriousness of the assault on the Capitol. Her decision has sparked controversy among other defendants and is predicted to draw negative reactions from Trump and his supporters.