On Monday, President Donald Trump announced the pardon of approximately 1,500 supporters charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Exercising his broad clemency powers on his first day back in office, Trump effectively disrupted what has been the largest investigation and prosecution undertaken by the Justice Department.

The pardons, though widely anticipated, underscore Trump’s persistent efforts to reshape the narrative surrounding the January 6 attack, which resulted in injuries to over 100 police officers and posed a serious threat to the peaceful transfer of power. The extensive clemency marks a significant setback for the Justice Department’s mission to hold those involved accountable for what is considered one of the darkest days in the nation’s history.

Disclaimer:This image is taken from AP Photo.