Convicted Capitol Rioter Declines Trump’s Pardon: A Bold Stand for Justice

US Capitol Rioter Rejects Pardon: ‘We Were Wrong, No Forgiveness Needed’

Pamela Hemphill, a 70-year-old Idaho resident and former substance abuse counselor, participated in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. She was convicted of demonstrating, picketing, or parading in a Capitol building and sentenced to 60 days in prison, followed by 36 months of probation, and ordered to pay $500 in restitution. During her incarceration, Hemphill began to reassess her views on former President Donald Trump and her involvement in the events of that day.

By April 2023, she publicly distanced herself from Trump, referring to herself as an “ex-MAGA Granny.” She emphasized personal accountability, stating, “I am not a victim of the government… I was a participant who broke the law.”

On January 20, 2025, President Trump, upon commencing his second term, issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. However, Hemphill declined the pardon, asserting, “We were wrong that day. We broke the law.

There should be no pardon.” She further expressed her refusal on social media, stating, “I’m not going to be bullied by MAGA anymore… just give me more confidence to continue!” Under U.S. law, individuals have the right to refuse a presidential pardon, and Hemphill has taken steps to formally reject it.

Hemphill’s stance contrasts with other pardoned individuals, such as Jacob Chansley, known as the “QAnon Shaman,” who celebrated his pardon and expressed intentions to purchase firearms to commemorate the occasion. Chansley had been sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the Capitol attack and was among those granted clemency by President Trump.