Vance Distinguishes Between Violent and Peaceful Protesters in Capitol Riot Pardon Debate

VP-elect JD Vance outlines his views on Jan. 6 pardons, emphasizing non-violent protesters should be pardoned while violent offenders should not.

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This story was covered by 15 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

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The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.

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Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

In a recent interview, VP-elect JD Vance clarified that only those who peacefully protested on January 6 should receive pardons, diverging from President-elect Trump's broader pardon plans. Vance emphasized maintaining equal justice, acknowledging a 'gray area' in the context of violence during the riot. Trump intends to act quickly on pardons, possibly including some violent offenders, stating many have faced harsh prosecutions. Vance reassured that each case would be reviewed on an individual basis, indicating he and Trump are committed to addressing perceived unjust convictions.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance says violent offenders from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot should not be pardoned, contrary to some of Trump's earlier suggestions that all offenders might receive pardons.
The Biden administration's handling of prosecutions post-Jan. 6 has been characterized as unfair, yet Vance acknowledges there’s ambiguity on the definition of 'violent actions'.
The narrative presented focuses on the idea that many Jan. 6 defendants have been unfairly treated but does not ignore the serious implications of supporting pardons for those who committed violence.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

J.D. Vance expresses support for pardoning Jan. 6 protesters, while distinguishing that only non-violent offenders should receive clemency, indicating that there is a commitment to a fair judicial process.
Trump's administration intends to review each individual's case regarding January 6 protests, reinforcing the idea that they are concerned about the justice system's treatment of peaceful protesters.
The concern is rooted in the belief that a two-tiered justice system exists, with many Republicans calling for clemency for those who protested peacefully.

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Highlights (15)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

Vance insisted in an interview on “Fox News Sunday” that the pardon question is “very simple,” saying those who “protested peacefully” should be pardoned and “if you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”
Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence 'obviously' shouldn't be pardoned
Boston Globe
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
Vance’s recent comments, though, throws these pledges into question. So it comes as no surprise that after his comments aired on Fox News Sunday, some insurrectionists promptly melted down.
Insurrectionists Melt Down After Vance Says Trump Shouldn’t Pardon Violent J6ers
Mother Jones
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Left
Vance said he and Trump are “very much committed” to the equal administration of law.
Vance says those who ‘committed violence’ on Jan. 6 ‘obviously’ shouldn’t be pardoned
The Hill
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Vance’s comments broke slightly from what President-elect Donald Trump has laid out in his pardon plans.
JD Vance says violent Jan. 6 rioters shouldn't receive pardons
NBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Vance insisted in an interview on “Fox News Sunday” that the pardon question is “very simple," saying those who “protested peacefully” should be pardoned and “if you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”
Vance Says Some Jan. 6 Participants Shouldn't Be Pardoned
TIME Magazine
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
Vice President-elect JD Vance said on Jan. 12 that individuals who were violent during the U.S. Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021, “obviously” should not be pardoned.
Vance Says Trump Won’t Issue Pardons for Violent Jan. 6 Defendants
Epoch Times
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
There is a serious lack of competent governance in California. And I think it’s part of the reason why these fires have gotten so bad.
JD Vance says Trump will pardon Jan. 6ers who ‘protested peacefully,’ not violent rioters
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
We're very much committed to seeing the equal administration of law and there are a lot of people, we think, in the wake of January the 6th, who were prosecuted unfairly. We need to rectify that.
JD Vance says people who committed violence at the Capitol riot 'obviously' shouldn't be pardoned
USA TODAY
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.
JD Vance: J6 Violent Offenders 'Obviously' Shouldn’t Get a Pardon from Trump
Breitbart News
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
Mr. Vance says he is more concerned about getting relief for those individuals who were charged with crimes like trespassing or entering a restricted area.
Vance Says ‘Obviously’ Violent January 6 Rioters Will Not Be Pardoned, Though Cites What He Calls a ‘Gray Area’
New York Sun
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
There is a serious lack of competent governance in California, and I think it's part of the reason why these fires have gotten so bad. We need to do a better job at both the state and federal level.
JD Vance spells out what Trump's process to 'rectify' 'unfair' Jan 6 prosecutions could look like
FOX News
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The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Vance insisted in an interview on “Fox News Sunday” that the pardon question is “very simple,” saying those who “protested peacefully” should be pardoned and “if you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”
Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence 'obviously' shouldn't be pardoned
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
But Vance left himself some wiggle room, adding, “There’s a little bit of gray area there, but we’re very much committed to seeing the equal administration of law, and there are a lot of people we think in the wake of Jan. 6 who were prosecuted unfairly. We need to rectify that.”
Vance: Jan. 6 Rioters Who 'Committed Violence' Should Not Be Pardoned
Rolling Stone
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Left
Still, despite Vance drawing a clear line that the incoming Trump administration will not pardon violent Jan. 6 offenders, the vice-president elect added he believes "a lot of people" were "prosecuted unfairly."
JD Vance Tells Fox News Who Won't Get a J6 Pardon from Trump
MEDIAite
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Left
It's a two-tiered justice system, and it's time to end it.
Vance: Violent Jan. 6 Protesters 'Shouldn't Be Pardoned'
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right