Ex-'MAGA Granny' Declines Trump Pardon for January 6 Involvement
Ex-'MAGA Granny' Declines Trump Pardon for January 6 Involvement.
Pamela Hemphill emphasizes her accountability for the part she played in efforts to reverse the outcomes of the 2020 election.
Some individuals have commended Donald Trump for granting “full, complete and unconditional” pardons to the 1,500 people implicated in the January 6 assault on the US Capitol; however, Pamela Hemphill has expressed dissent.
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Hemphill, who was also apprehended on January 6, has declined to accept Trump’s pardon, opting instead to acknowledge her involvement in the efforts to reverse the 2020 election results that resulted in Joe Biden's victory over Trump.
“Absolutely not,” Hemphill, 71, Stated on Thursday.
“It’s an insult to the Capitol police officers and to the rule of law and to the nation. It contributes to the propaganda that it was a peaceful protest, that the DoJ is weaponized against them and against Trump.”
During the events of the Capitol riot, Hemphill reported that she was knocked to the ground, trampled, and had her glasses broken. She attributes her survival to the actions of the Capitol police.
Subsequently, two days later, Hemphill was taken into custody after the FBI received information indicating that she had “planned to and did in fact travel to Washington DC for January 6.”
The information provided included screenshots of Facebook posts made prior to the attack, in which Hemphill stated, “it’s a WAR!” and “Happy New Year! On my way to Washington D.C. January 6th!”
Hemphill, who acquired the moniker “Maga Granny” in reference to Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan, reportedly developed an interest in politics following her retirement in 2011. She informed the Idaho Statesman that she became involved with Ammon Bundy’s People’s Rights Network online and subsequently engaged in discussions with the Proud Boys, a far-right organization that played a significant role in the attack.
She later participated in the January 6 riot alongside the Proud Boys and broadcast her activities on YouTube. In January 2022, she pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 60 days in prison along with three years of probation.
In 2023, Hemphill asserted that she experienced a change of heart and distanced herself from the Maga movement. Her decision to leave what she described as “a cult” was influenced by the blame directed at her by rioters when her video footage of the attack was utilized as evidence against them.
The response from other rioters towards Hemphill was intense.
Micki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt—who was fatally shot by police during the Capitol incident—ridiculed Hemphill on social media, referring to her as “Pamtifa,” alluding to the leftist anti-fascist organization Antifa.
Hemphill, who has maintained sobriety since 1979 and currently works as a substance abuse counselor, drew a parallel between her struggle with alcohol and the Maga ideology. She noted that her experience with therapy has transformed her viewpoint; she now identifies as a volunteer rather than a victim.
“This Maga cult and these J6 criminals and all their family are very upset that I am bringing the facts when they say something,” Hemphill said.
“It’s just like working with an alcoholic – when you’re in denial, you get real upset.”
Hemphill has expressed her endorsement for Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election and has indicated that she no longer fears potential backlash from supporters of Trump.
Accompanied by her attorney, Hemphill informed the Idaho Statesman of her intention to submit a letter of rejection. The publication highlights that the United States Supreme Court established in 1833, and reaffirmed in 1915, that an individual has the authority to decline a presidential pardon.
Conversely, the New York Times points out that the legality of her ability to reject the pardon remains uncertain, as noted by Mark Osler, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. “It would be a novel act to file a court case to reject a pardon of a misdemeanor, in part because of the low stakes.”
When asked if she had a message for Trump, Hemphill said: “Other people around you told you the election had not been stolen. You went out anyway, and lied to the world that the election was stolen. But we know it wasn’t and you know it wasn’t.
“Still, you want to continue with your narrative, but we’re going to keep bringing the facts to prove you wrong.”
Pamela Hemphill’s courageous decision to reject a presidential pardon underscores her commitment to accountability and the rule of law. By acknowledging her actions and distancing herself from the January 6 narrative, she exemplifies personal growth and a dedication to truth. Her transformation serves as an inspiring reminder that change is possible, even in the face of intense scrutiny and adversity.
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Hemphill’s work as a substance abuse counselor and her advocacy for transparency reflect her resolve to contribute positively to society. Her story offers hope that others may follow her path, prioritizing integrity and healing over divisive ideologies.
