President Donald Trump has pardoned Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer convicted for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Caldwell had previously received a sentence of time served after being acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of obstructing Congress and tampering with documents.
Caldwell’s pardon, dated March 20, follows Trump’s broader clemency initiative issued on Jan. 10, which granted relief to over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot. That included commutations for several members of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
At trial, prosecutors alleged Caldwell helped organize “quick reaction force” teams to move weapons into Washington, D.C., if needed. Although the weapons were never deployed and Caldwell did not enter the Capitol, prosecutors pointed to messages where he discussed transporting “heavy weapons.” He testified that his remarks were not serious.
Caldwell’s lawyer, David Fischer, called the pardon well-deserved, claiming the jury and judge already showed leniency. Caldwell learned of the pardon Monday and was “elated,” according to Fischer.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
