Several pardoned US Capitol rioters are now running for office | World News

Some people involved in 2020’s January 6 Capitol riots, seen as criminals before their pardon, are now being welcomed parts of the Republican Party with some even being encouraged to run for public office, according to a report Associated Press (AP).Ryan Kelley, who ran for governor of Michigan in 2022, was sentenced to two months in prison for trespassing at the Capitol on January 6, soon after the US elections that saw Joe Biden come to power. At that time, it damaged Kelley’s political chances, and he finished poorly in the Republican primary. But three years later, things have changed.
Kelley said many people now ask him to run again for governor in 2026. “I was a political prisoner for standing up for what I believe was right,” he told supporters at a recent Republican event in Jackson, Michigan, as quoted the AP. The crowd welcomed him with cheers and applause.
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During his speech, Kelley shared how his son thought he had died while he was in prison. The audience responded with sympathy, urging him to return to politics.
“I’ve done much worse and did no jail time,” said Todd Gillman, a Republican leader from the area. “Thank God people like Ryan Kelley are not intimidated the lawfare used against them,” he told the AP.
Trump pardons and political momentum
When US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, he pardoned around 1,500 people, including many who were part of the January 6 riots. Some of them had been charged with serious crimes such as assaulting police or carrying weapons on Capitol grounds.
Ryan Kelley, right, hugs William “Hank” Choate during his talk at the Jackson County Republican headquarters. (AP)
Matt Dallek, a horian at George Washington University, told the AP that these individuals are now seen some on the right as victims of an unfair system. “Those who are pardoned can testify, like no one else can, to the horrific power of the federal government to destroy their lives,” he said. Dallek also warned, “It is a mainstreaming, a growing acceptance on the right of political violence, as long as it’s done in the service of Trump.”Story continues below this ad

Kelley, while admitting he saw people breaking windows that day, denied that it was an “insurrection,” calling it “a protest that turned into a little bit of a scuffle.”
However, footage and court evidence show the violence was far more serious — with rioters attacking police officers, smashing windows, and forcing lawmakers to hide.
From conviction to campaign
At least two dozen local Republican groups in recent months have invited pardoned rioters to speak at events titled “Insurrection Hoax” or “Patriots Vindicated.” These speakers are treated as honoured guests and use the stage to share their side of the story.
One such speaker was James Grant, who admitted to being among the first to breach police lines. At an event in North Carolina, he claimed, “the 2020 election was stolen,” and blamed “undercover agents” for sparking violence.Story continues below this ad
In Tennessee, Ronald Colton McAbee  a former sheriff’s deputy  told a Republican crowd that he punched an officer but said he was trying to help. He added he was considering a run for office.
A small cutout of Ryan Kelley sits on the regration table before his talk at the Jackson County Republican headquarters. (AP)
Pushback from communities
Not all have welcomed these events. In California, a conservative group had to move an event featuring six pardoned rioters multiple times due to public outrage. Protesters gathered at the final venue in Salinas, where the event went ahead despite criticism.
“It’s a dangerous dortion of hory,” said the Monterey Peace and Justice Center in a statement to the AP.
Event organiser Karen Weissman defended the talks, saying, “It was important for our community to hear their stories and hear a different perspective.”Story continues below this ad
A political opportunity but for how long?
Some pardoned rioters are already launching campaigns. Jake Lang, who faced serious charges before his pardon, is now running for US Senate in Florida. Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who received a 22-year prison sentence before being pardoned, has said he is “seriously considering” running for office.
Kelley himself said Trump’s pardon has given him a chance to re-enter politics, though he’s not sure yet whether he’ll run again in 2026. “Now is kind of the time that I could catapult with that, right?” he told the AP. “We get a lot of hate, but I’m also going to get a lot of support.”