By Holmes Lybrand, CNN
Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ
The ripple effect of Donald Trump's election victory is already being felt in Washington, DC, where some defendants charged in the Capitol riot of 6 January, 2021, could soon be pardoned by the incoming president, who has promised as much.
One rioter wasted no time in citing Trump's victory to try and stave off a hearing in his case, saying he's "expected" to receive clemency.
"Throughout his campaign, President-elect Trump made multiple clemency promises to the 6 January defendants, particularly to those who were nonviolent participants," lawyers for Christopher Carnell wrote in a court filing Thursday.
"Mr. Carnell, who was an 18 year old nonviolent entrant into the Capitol on January 6, is expecting to be relieved of the criminal prosecution that he is currently facing when the new administration takes office."
Carnell was convicted of all seven counts against him, including disorderly conduct in a restricted building. He's one of more than 1500 charged in the Capitol riot. More than 1000 of them have been convicted.
As of now, his lawyers wrote, Carnell is "awaiting further information from the Office of the President-elect regarding the timing and expected scope of clemency actions relevant to his case."
Federal Judge Beryl Howell quickly knocked down the request in a minute order Wednesday, telling Carnell the hearing would remain scheduled for Saturday.
Trump has previously said he would pardon 6 January defendants, saying in July that "If they're innocent" he "would pardon them."
- CNN