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Former federal prosecutor Brendan Ballou has raised significant concerns over the recent wave of pardons issued by former President Donald Trump to individuals convicted for their role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In an essay published by The New York Times on Friday, Ballou described these individuals as “more dangerous than ever” and urged authorities to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities.
Ballou acknowledged that while some rioters have expressed genuine remorse or a desire to move on from politics, others feel emboldened by what they view as the end of politically motivated prosecutions. “Freed by the president, they have never been more dangerous,” Ballou wrote, emphasizing the risks posed by those who interpret the pardons as validation of their actions.
Highlighting the threat, Ballou pointed to two prominent figures: Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. Both men, who were recently released from prison under Trump’s pardons, have reportedly expressed intentions to seek revenge. \
According to Ballou, their release could inspire others to adopt similarly dangerous attitudes, further destabilizing an already polarized political landscape.
Ballou accused Trump of using the pardons strategically to empower vigilantes and militias loyal to him but unaccountable to the government. Comparing this to tactics used in authoritarian regimes, Ballou cited examples such as Iran’s morality police enforcing hijab laws and Colombia’s self-defense militias targeting political opponents.
He warned that these groups often serve as tools for leaders to suppress dissent and consolidate power, creating a dangerous precedent for the United States.
Trump’s decision to issue over 1,500 unconditional pardons to January 6 defendants—out of 1,583 individuals charged—has ignited intense criticism. While Democratic leaders have been vocal in their opposition, the move has also divided Republican lawmakers.
“I don’t agree with the pardoning of people who committed violence or property damage,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.). “If you climbed through a window, you knew what you were doing was illegal, and I don’t think it was appropriate to pardon them.”
Ballou further argued that Trump’s actions could set a dangerous standard by allowing loyalists to act above the law. He suggested that vigilantes emboldened by the pardons could target perceived enemies under the guise of self-defense, with the former president either pardoning federal crimes or pressuring governors to issue state-level pardons.
“This kind of violence was part of our past; it may be a part of our future,” Ballou cautioned. He suggested that Trump’s approach mirrors historical patterns of violence used to suppress opposition, warning that the U.S. could see a resurgence of such tactics.
To mitigate these risks, Ballou urged local law enforcement agencies to prioritize protecting vulnerable groups, including immigrants, transgender individuals, and opposition lawmakers. These communities, he argued, are most likely to be targeted first by emboldened vigilantes.
The controversy over Trump’s pardons has also sparked public debate about accountability. Notably, two individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 riot have rejected Trump’s pardons, publicly admitting their wrongdoing and expressing regret for their actions.
Their refusal underscores the divide among those who were prosecuted, with some recognizing the harm caused by their actions and others doubling down on their beliefs.
In his essay, Ballou highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s pardons, arguing that they represent more than just an individual decision. Instead, he framed them as a deliberate attempt to solidify support among extremist groups, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and pose a serious threat to democracy.
Ballou’s resignation from the Justice Department earlier this week adds weight to his words, as he leaves behind a role that placed him at the center of efforts to hold January 6 participants accountable. His concerns reflect a growing unease among legal experts and lawmakers about the long-term consequences of Trump’s actions and the potential for further unrest.
As the nation continues to grapple with the fallout from the January 6 riot, Ballou’s warning serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by extremism and the challenges of ensuring accountability in a deeply divided political climate.
