One individual who served jail time for participating in the US Capitol riot four years ago has declined a pardon from President Donald Trump, stating, "We were wrong that day."
Pamela Hemphill, who admitted guilt and received a 60-day prison sentence, expressed to the BBC her stance against pardoning anyone involved in the January 6, 2021, riot.
Rejecting a pardon, she remarked, "Accepting a pardon would only disrespect the Capitol police officers, rule of law, and, indeed, our nation."
Clarifying her decision, she explained, "I pleaded guilty because I was guilty, and accepting a pardon would only serve to perpetuate their gaslighting and false narrative."
Dubbed the "Maga granny" by social media users, Hemphill conveyed her opposition to what she perceived as the Trump administration's attempt to "rewrite history, and I refuse to be complicit in that."
Emphasizing their collective responsibility, she stated, "We were wrong that day, we violated the law - no pardons should be granted."
Trump's swift action to pardon or commute sentences of nearly 1,600 individuals involved in the 2020 election upheaval occurred early in his presidency.
While Trump defended his decision, likening the prison conditions to inhumane treatment, there has been pushback from certain Republican lawmakers.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina disagreed with the move, citing concerns for Capitol Hill safety.
Echoing this sentiment, Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma upheld the importance of law and order, particularly condemning attacks on law enforcement officers.
Individuals refusing pardons is not unprecedented, as affirmed by a previous ruling by the Supreme Court, according to Cornell Law School.
Among those receiving pardons was Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman, who was released from jail in 2023 after serving part of his sentence.
Recalling his reaction upon hearing the news, Chansley shared, "I walked outside, screamed 'freedom' at the top of my lungs, and let out a powerful Native American war cry."