By Steve Neavling
Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s new pardon attorney, has begun reviewing pardon applications for some of the few remaining Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants who were not granted full clemency by former President Donald Trump.
Attorney Peter Ticktin told CBS News he met with Martin last week to discuss potential pardons for Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers founder, and 10 other defendants, including members of the Proud Boys. Martin, in his first full week on the job, posted photos of the meeting on X, saying he “listened” to Ticktin’s recommendations.
The group of 14 Proud Boys and Oath Keepers received commutations from Trump, allowing them to leave prison while keeping their convictions intact. Many were convicted on serious charges, including seditious conspiracy and conspiring to use force to resist the transfer of power.
Ticktin said the next step is for Martin to consult with Alice Johnson, Trump’s “pardon czar,” who was herself granted clemency during his first term. Ticktin is also working with Trenniss Evans, a Jan. 6 defendant who is now leading efforts to secure pardons and file civil suits against the government.
Evans said he expects a “realistic and fair review” of the 11 pardon applications. So far, no decisions have been made, and the Justice Department declined to comment.
Trump has issued a series of pardons during his second term, including to Rod Blagojevich, Ross Ulbricht, and Scott Jenkins, but his sweeping clemency for Jan. 6 defendants has drawn particular criticism from legal experts.
