As the country speculates on what a second term under President-elect Donald Trump may bring, one question is top of mind for many: Will he pardon Jan. 6 defendants? A North Carolina man convicted for his role in the Capitol riot has requested a delay in his sentencing, hoping for clemency.
Christopher Carnell, 22, filed the motion just hours after Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. Carnell’s attorney argued that her client expects the incoming president to grant clemency to those involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Carnell was convicted in February of felony obstruction and several misdemeanor charges for his actions on Jan. 6. He was among those who entered the Capitol building and allegedly photographed documents from a senator’s desk.
Carnell’s lawyer said her client is “awaiting further information” from Trump’s team about potential clemency actions. However, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell quickly denied the request to delay his sentencing, which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8.
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to pardon Jan. 6 defendants, saying they were being treated unfairly.
“If I win, we will treat those people from Jan. 6 fairly, and if it requires pardons, we will give them pardons, because they are being treated so unfairly,” Trump said.
More than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, and over 1,000 have been convicted. While Trump has not promised a blanket pardon for all defendants, he has said as recently as July that “if they’re innocent, I will pardon them.”
