Trump to look 'very favourably' on pardons for Capitol rioters

Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was giving financial help to some supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on Congress and would look very favourably on giving pardons if he were again elected to the White House.

Thousands of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol after a fiery speech in which he repeated his false claims that his election defeat was the result of widespread fraud, an allegation repeatedly rejected by multiple courts, state election officials and members of Trump's own administration.

"I will look very, very favourably about, about full pardons. If I decide to run and if I win, I will, I will be looking very, very strongly about pardons, full pardons," Trump, who is considering a new run for president in 2024, told radio host Wendy Bell.

The onslaught on Congress, aimed at preventing certification of Democratic candidate Joe Biden's victory in the November 2020 presidential election, led to several deaths and injured more than 140 police officers.

Around 850 people have been arrested for crimes related to the attack, including more than 250 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

Several members of the right-wing group, the Oath Keepers, were charged with seditious conspiracy.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding the events of January 6 and said on Thursday he was providing help for some of those involved.

"I am financially supporting people that are incredible and they were in my office actually two days ago. It's very much on my mind. It's a disgrace what they've done to them," he said.

More from International News

  • Trump to wrap up Xi summit with a tour of US archives

    US President Donald Trump will follow up his summit with Xi Jinping by taking the Chinese leader on Friday to the US National Archives, where they are expected to stress views about the history and direction of ties between their countries.

  • France to send military to protect Saudi Arabia, Macron says

    France will send troops and defence systems to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, which is key for energy transport, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.

  • Gaza facing world's worst economic crisis, says UNCTAD

    The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned that the Palestinian economy is currently facing “the most severe economic crisis recorded anywhere in the world", with an estimate $71.5 billion needed for recovery.

  • At UN, Netanyahu defends Israel as delegates walk out

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mounted a forceful defence of Israel's actions in the region at the UN, seeking to counter growing international isolation ahead of elections he could lose, as dozens of delegates streamed out.

  • Trump welcomes Xi to Washington looking for a trade win

    US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish state summit expected to be heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with both leaders keen to showcase stable ties despite a host of thorny issues.

News