During a recent campaign rally in Clinton, Iowa, former President Donald Trump urged President Joe Biden to release individuals convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump, addressing the crowd, specifically called for the release of those he referred to as “J6 hostages.”
“Release the J6 hostages, Joe,” Trump said, repeating his plea. “Release them, Joe. You can do it real easy, Joe.”
These remarks come three years after the events of the Capitol riot.
Since the event, nearly 1,200 people have faced charges related to the incident. Over 700 individuals have pleaded guilty, with the majority accepting charges for misdemeanors. Additionally, more than 100 individuals have been convicted through jury or bench trials in Washington, D.C. Notably, many who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors have already served their sentences.
Among those receiving the harshest sentences connected to the riot are Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 21-year prison sentence in September of the previous year for his involvement in planning the assault, and Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, who was sentenced to 18 years in May 2022.
