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Trump Pardons January 6 Rioters in First Executive Action, Sparks Outrage from Law Enforcement and Families

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Trump has long referred to January 6 rioters as “hostages,” framing their convictions as politically motivated. Speaking to NBC News, Trump characterized the pardon as a “fun” start to his second term.

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By Stacy M Brown
NNPA Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Four years after the deadly January 6 Capitol insurrection, Donald Trump, now back in the Oval Office, has signed a sweeping pardon for approximately 1,500 convicted rioters. This unprecedented move, which includes high-profile figures like former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, has ignited fierce backlash from law enforcement, victims’ families, and political leaders.

Nayib Hassan, Tarrio’s lawyer, confirmed his client is being processed for release from federal prison. Tarrio was serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, one of the most severe charges brought against January 6 defendants. Despite not being present at the Capitol during the riot, prosecutors argued Tarrio played a key role in organizing the attack that left five law enforcement officers dead, over 140 injured, and the nation’s democracy shaken.

Trump has long referred to January 6 rioters as “hostages,” framing their convictions as politically motivated. Speaking to NBC News, Trump characterized the pardon as a “fun” start to his second term.

Law Enforcement and Victims’ Families Condemn Pardons

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who sustained injuries during the attack, called the pardons “a desecration of justice.” Gonell added, “Releasing those who assaulted us dishonors the sacrifices made by law enforcement.”

The brother of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after the insurrection, also denounced the pardons. Craig Sicknick described the move as “a betrayal to all Americans” and accused Trump of celebrating the mob responsible for his brother’s death.

Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who defended the Capitol that day, said Trump’s election win and subsequent pardons felt like “a gut punch.”

Broader Implications and Public Outcry

The Justice Department, which conducted the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history to prosecute the rioters, has charged 1,583 individuals, securing 1,270 convictions. Many of these cases involved felony offenses, including assaulting law enforcement officers and seditious conspiracy.

Trump’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the importance of accountability, stating, “We’ve got to get back to basic, normal transfer of power.” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi questioned the pardons, calling it “strange” for a president to absolve individuals involved in an attack on democracy.

The move also raises concerns about the precedent it sets. Pardons restore civil rights like voting and gun ownership, potentially emboldening future acts of political violence.

A Nation Remembers

As the country reflects on the events of January 6, Gonell urged Americans to honor the sacrifices made by law enforcement. “These dishonorable elected officials are alive because of what officers like myself did, not because of the mob’s lack of trying,” he said.

“Remember the names of the officers who died and the families they left behind,” Gonell concluded.

#NNPA BlackPress

Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists:

  • Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
  • Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
  • Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
  • UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
  • Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke

Special Guests:

  • Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
  • Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song

This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.

🔔 Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow ‪@mnspokesmanrecorder‬ for more.

🔗 Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.

#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory

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