A woman involved in the January 6 Capitol riot has publicly declined a pardon from former President Donald Trump, citing respect for law enforcement as her primary reason.
Pam Hemphill, who served a two-month prison sentence followed by three years of probation for her involvement in the riot, appeared on MSNBC with Katie Phang to discuss her decision. Unlike approximately 1,500 others who accepted pardons, Hemphill stood firm in her refusal.
As reported by Mediaite, Hemphill stated, "It would be a slap in the face to the Capitol Police officers, the rule of law. You know, to our nation. I pleaded guilty because I was guilty. It would help their narrative that it was a peaceful protest that day. No, it was not a peaceful protest, it was an insurrection. I dont want any part of anything that Trump is offering." Her comments reflect a significant departure from the narrative pushed by some Trump supporters, who have downplayed the events of that day.
Hemphill's decision to reject the pardon is rooted in her personal journey away from what she describes as the "MAGA Trump cult." She recounted her realization of culpability in the riot, spurred by a conversation with her therapist. "I went there. I wasnt planning on breaking any laws or harming anybody. Thats not me. So I kept the victim feelings going on. And when my therapist looked at me and said, Ms. Hemphill, youre not a victim, youre a volunteer. And I got mad at him," she explained. "I went home that night and I thought about it, hes right. You know, Ive been sober now for 45 years working a 12-step program. And one of the steps is when youre wrong, properly admit it."
Hemphill is not alone in her stance. Jason Riddle, another participant in the riot, also turned down a pardon, attributing his past political extremism to his struggles with alcoholism. "At the time, I was not recovering. I would combine alcohol with my politics and Id put it online too. I spent a lot of time on social media in the comments section arguing with strangers about nothing," Riddle admitted. "And it just became more or less my identity."
These personal accounts highlight a broader narrative of accountability and transformation among some individuals involved in the Capitol riot. While many have accepted pardons, Hemphill and Riddle's decisions underscore a commitment to personal responsibility and a rejection of the divisive rhetoric that fueled their actions.
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