In a bold move on his first day back in office, President Donald Trump has issued pardons for over 1,500 supporters charged in the historic January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This sweeping use of clemency powers effectively dismantles one of the largest investigations in the history of the Justice Department, aiming to rewrite the narrative around that day which left more than 100 police officers injured.

Amidst ongoing controversy, Trump has justified the pardons, framing rioters as “patriots” and asserting that they were treated unfairly by the legal system. This comes in the wake of his own charges and suggestions that he would evaluate pardons on a case-by-case basis, contrary to the blanket approach taken now. Critics, including Vice President JD Vance, have previously indicated that individuals who committed violence should not be granted clemency.

The pardoned individuals include members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, groups whose leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy aimed at maintaining Trump’s presidency after the 2020 election loss. Additionally, Trump is directing the attorney general to seek the dismissal of about 450 pending cases linked to the attack, a decision that further complicates accountability efforts.

This sweeping pardon has raised alarm within the Justice Department and across the political spectrum, undermining years of prosecution efforts. The attack on January 6 has been regarded as one of the darkest events in recent American history, characterized by widespread violence and disruptions that required police intervention on an unprecedented scale.

Evidence from the day reveals disturbing incidents, including officers being dragged into crowds and beaten—a chaotic atmosphere vividly captured in numerous videos and testimonies. With over 1,200 convictions already made, the legal outcomes of these cases represent a significant chapter in the ongoing dialogue about justice and political accountability post-Trump.

As the nation grapples with the implications of these pardons, many observers fear this act could return to haunt the nation as issues of justice and reconciliation emerge in future political discourse. For further reading, visit TIME and AP News.