Pamela Hemphill, one of the individuals convicted for her role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has refused a pardon from former President Donald Trump, staunchly opposing what she views as an attempt to “rewrite history.”
Speaking to the BBC, Hemphill, nicknamed the “MAGA granny” on social media for her support of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, expressed no desire for leniency. Having pleaded guilty and served 60 days in prison, she stands firm in her belief that accountability is essential for justice.
“Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, the rule of law, and, of course, our nation,” Hemphill remarked. “I pleaded guilty because I was guilty. Accepting a pardon would contribute to the gaslighting and false narrative that seeks to distort the truth of what happened that day.”
Hemphill’s comments come after Trump announced his decision to pardon or commute sentences for nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the Capitol insurrection. Speaking at a news conference at the White House, Trump described the sentences served by these individuals as “inhumane,” calling their prison conditions “disgusting” and “horrible.”
However, this sweeping act of clemency has sparked sharp criticism, even from within Trump’s own party. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina stated he “just can’t agree” with the decision, citing “legitimate safety issues on Capitol Hill.” Similarly, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma emphasized that the Republican Party must uphold law and order.
“I think if you attack a police officer, that’s a very serious issue, and they should pay a price for that,” Lankford told CNN.
Among those granted clemency was Jacob Chansley, widely known as the “QAnon Shaman,” whose horned headdress and painted face made him a symbol of the riot. Chansley, who was released in 2023 after serving 27 months of a 41-month sentence, expressed jubilation upon hearing of his pardon.
“I walked outside and screamed ‘freedom’ at the top of my lungs, then gave a good Native American war cry,” Chansley told the BBC.
While the pardons have brought relief to some, Hemphill’s refusal underscores the broader divide over accountability and justice. “We were wrong that day, we broke the law, and there should be no pardons,” she said, standing firm in her rejection of a pardon and the narrative it represents.
