Several Marylanders convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot are being welcomed back into their communities following President Trump‘s sweeping pardons. Steven Cook, 26, admitted at a GOP banquet that he “whacked” police officers and helped ignite the riot. Once imprisoned, he now says he’s embraced by local veterans and conservative activists.
At a March event hosted by the Republican Women of Baltimore County, Cook and other convicted Marylanders were praised. “He heard the call of God,” said organizer Louise Baker. Another pardoned rioter, Adam Obest, a former federal employee, said he was shunned after his conviction but has since found new employment and support after his pardon.
Critics warn that normalizing political violence threatens democracy. Robert Pape of the University of Chicago said the pardons “contribute to the normalization” of violence, particularly amid ongoing polarization.
Maryland has charged 46 people for Jan. 6 crimes, including 15 for assaulting officers. Many came from suburban or Democratic-majority areas, mirroring national trends. Trump supporters and critics remain divided, with some defending the pardons and others, like former Rep. Michael Barnes (D-Md.), calling them “an awful act.”
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