US Capitol Riot Trial Delayed Due To Potential Pardon Possibility

Rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Hundreds of people charged with storming the U.S. Capitol three years ago have had a powerful incentive to plead guilty rather than go to tr

A federal judge has agreed to postpone the trial of a US Capitol riot defendant, citing the potential for a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump. The defendant, William Pope, was facing misdemeanor charges related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Following Trump's reelection, Pope requested a delay in his trial until after Trump assumes office, based on the president-elect's promise to pardon some individuals involved in the riot. US District Judge Rudolph Contreras, appointed by Obama, acknowledged the likelihood of a pardon for Pope during a recent hearing.