President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term on Monday and quickly got to work fulfilling campaign promises. Among the highest priorities was granting pardons and clemency to an estimated 1,500 individuals arrested in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. At least a dozen pardoned people are from or have connections to Alabama.
While many records kept by the Department of Justice on their "Capitol Breach Cases" page are incomplete, not listing a location of arrest, at least 16 specifically say that they occurred throughout Alabama, with arrests in Birmingham, Arab, Cleveland, Columbiana, Dothan and Huntsville, among other places.
Trump first signaled that he would release many of those connected to the riot in a Truth Social post in March 2024.
As he signed the pardons, Trump told reporters and those gathered, "This is January 6, and these are the hostages, approximately 1,500 for a pardon." He said, "Full pardon," explaining, "We hope they come out tonight." Videos circulating on social media and news reports show that releases have begun.
In the proclamation posted to the White House website, Trump said, "This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation."
He commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and pardoned the rest, saying he does hereby "grant a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
"The Attorney General shall administer and effectuate the immediate issuance of certificates of pardon to all individuals described in section (b) above, and shall ensure that all individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, who are currently held in prison are released immediately. The Bureau of Prisons shall immediately implement all instructions from the Department of Justice regarding this directive.
"I further direct the Attorney General to pursue dismissal with prejudice to the government of all pending indictments against individuals for their conduct related to the events at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Bureau of Prisons shall immediately implement all instructions from the Department of Justice regarding this directive."
One of those pardoned was Larry Freligh III, of Auburn, who, according to court records, was sentenced last week to four months probation. Freligh III pled guilty to "Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds."
According to charging documents, Freligh traveled from Auburn to D.C. with a friend, William Watson, to attend the Stop the Steal Rally.
Watson was convicted in March 2023 and sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release.
Some from Alabama have already served their sentences. That includes Kaleb Dillard from Mountain Brook. Dillard was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 12 months supervised release in November 2023. Dillard, who appeared on a must-watch episode of 1819 News: The Podcast with his wife Anna, has spoken out about the weaponization of the DOJ, telling 1819 News' Bryan Dawson that he plans to write a book about his time in prison, his treatment as a "J6er," his experience with the Department of Justice, and how God used all that for his good.
"We've just been so blessed. And it was just something that it was a total God thing because so many other Jan-sixers have it way, way worse. And, you know, the message of the story is not, oh my gosh, I cannot believe that I was so abused," he said. "It's really unfortunate because look at what they did and look at the money and the time and the resources that they spent on prosecuting someone like me. I do want people to know that because mainly because what a misallocation of funds that is for our government to be spending."
Others with Alabama ties involved in the riots include James Grant, from North Carolina, who was accepted to the University of Alabama's School of Law before his arrest. According to media reports in September 2024, "Grant, 31, of Cary, North Carolina, climbed into the Capitol through a broken window and entered a senator's office. After his arrest, he told investigators that the FBI was "the biggest threat to Americans" and that prosecuting Jan. 6 rioters was "a big witch hunt."
In March 2023, supporters of those arrested on charges related to January 6 held an event in Mobile County. As reported by 1819 News, several of those arrested in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, their families and supporters gathered in West Mobile County to tell their stories and garner support for those facing charges.
Eagle Forum of Alabama West Mobile Action Group Leader Missy Gates organized the event.
"God called me to do this," Gates said. "There is no other way to say it. God spoke to me in the middle of the night … These are political prisoners."
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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