Ex-Prosecutor Opposes Pardon for Violent Jan. 6 Rioters

Former U.S. special counsel Jack Smith has called rioters convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6 Capitol attack "dangerous." Smith made the statement while speaking to Democratic Congressman Jesús García of Illinois. He expressed strong opposition to the idea of a mass pardon for those individuals. "I do not understand why you would mass pardon people who assaulted police officers," Smith said. "I don't get it. I never will." Smith previously led the federal investigation into former President Donald Trump's actions related to the 2021 riot. His comments highlight ongoing debate over potential pardons for those convicted of crimes that day.