Joe Biden Grants Last-Minute Pardons Ahead of Inauguration
Biden issues pardons to Capitol riot committee members, former military leader Mark Milley, and former health official Anthony Fauci.
In a series of significant pardons issued shortly before the inauguration of his successor, U.S. President Joe Biden has granted clemency to certain public officials linked to the Capitol riot investigation, notably including Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Anthony Fauci, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The statement accompanying the pardons emphasized that these individuals had served their country with honor and dignity, and should not be subjected to what was described as unjust and politically motivated proceedings.
Biden explained that these pardons were issued under 'exceptional circumstances' and stressed the importance of protecting the individuals from the potential financial and reputational damage of legal proceedings, even if they were likely to be exonerated eventually.
Additionally, the pardons also extend to police officers who testified before the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
This event, characterized by a mob storming the Capitol building, was linked to a rally organized by then-President Donald Trump near the White House on January 6, 2021. The rally drew participants protesting the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
The incident resulted in multiple casualties and sparked widespread condemnation.
Trump's role in the events around the Capitol riot had been under scrutiny, and a special prosecutor had previously indicated that he might have faced charges if re-elected.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as a chief health advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, had notably clashed on numerous occasions with the Trump administration during its initial term.
Meanwhile, Mark Milley had come under criticism from Trump supporters after allegedly criticizing the former president in a book published in October of the previous year.
Milley's controversial remarks and perceived actions were seen by some as a betrayal of Trump, while others viewed them as a stand for integrity.
The statement accompanying the pardons emphasized that these individuals had served their country with honor and dignity, and should not be subjected to what was described as unjust and politically motivated proceedings.
Biden explained that these pardons were issued under 'exceptional circumstances' and stressed the importance of protecting the individuals from the potential financial and reputational damage of legal proceedings, even if they were likely to be exonerated eventually.
Additionally, the pardons also extend to police officers who testified before the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
This event, characterized by a mob storming the Capitol building, was linked to a rally organized by then-President Donald Trump near the White House on January 6, 2021. The rally drew participants protesting the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
The incident resulted in multiple casualties and sparked widespread condemnation.
Trump's role in the events around the Capitol riot had been under scrutiny, and a special prosecutor had previously indicated that he might have faced charges if re-elected.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as a chief health advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, had notably clashed on numerous occasions with the Trump administration during its initial term.
Meanwhile, Mark Milley had come under criticism from Trump supporters after allegedly criticizing the former president in a book published in October of the previous year.
Milley's controversial remarks and perceived actions were seen by some as a betrayal of Trump, while others viewed them as a stand for integrity.
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