
(TheIndependentStar.com) – A convicted January 6 protester has shocked the political landscape by refusing President Donald Trump’s pardon.
Pamela Hemphill, who served 60 days in prison for her role in the January 6 Capitol siege, has publicly rejected a pardon from Trump.
“We were wrong that day, we broke the law – there should be no pardons,” she stated. “Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation.”
Hemphill’s decision to decline the pardon stems from what she claims is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
While Hemphill may have her reasons for rejecting the pardon, Trump’s decision to offer clemency to January 6 participants has been met with mixed reactions.
Some politicians, even within the Republican party, have voiced opposition to the pardons.
For instance, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he could not “agree” with Trump’s order because it “raises legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.”
Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma said, ” We need to continue to say we are a party of law and order.”
He continued, “I think if you attack a police officer, that’s a very serious issue and they should pay a price for that.”
It is crucial to remember that the events of January 6 were complex. Many peaceful protesters exercised their First Amendment rights, while a small number of individuals crossed legal boundaries.
The president has framed the mass pardons he issued to over 1,500 individuals involved in the events of that day as his commitment to justice.
He also argued that many prosecuted individuals were unfairly targeted by a politically motivated justice system.
In response to her decision, Hemphill revealed she had received death threats for expressing remorse.
“This is part of my amends; to stand up to the facts of what really happened on January 6, to stop the gaslighting and all the lies that have been perpetrated out there for their own benefits,” Hemphill explained.
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