Pence sent letter to Jan. 6 defendant who refused Trump pardon
The letter was sent to Pam Hemphill, a former Jan. 6 defendant who pleaded guilty in 2022 to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing at the Capitol building. She was sentenced to 60 days in prison, which she served, and three years of probation.
When Trump issued sweeping pardons to nearly all Capitol riot defendants upon returning to the White House, Hemphill publicly declined hers. She told the BBC at the time that Trump's supporters were 'wrong' for storming the Capitol and to accept a pardon would 'only insult the Capitol Police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation.'
'Your honorable decision speaks volumes about your commitment to the Rule of Law and I wanted to pass along my genuine respect,' Pence's letter reads. 'I am certain that your willingness to accept responsibility has inspired many Americans by your example of integrity and faith.'
A spokesperson for Pence confirmed the letter's authenticity.
In a post to the social media platform X, Hemphill expressed gratitude for the former vice president's words.
'It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!' she said Wednesday.
In a statement to The Hill, she said that speaking out against Trump's 'gaslighting and narcissism' could help others 'leave his dangerous MAGA cult,' calling it part of her 'amends' to the nation.
On Jan. 6, 2021, the mob of demonstrators turned their ire toward Pence, who refused to certify slates of alternate electors so that Trump could remain in power.
That day, he was hurried off the Senate floor, where he was presiding over the joint session to certify the 2020 presidential election results, and was taken to an underground loading dock where he waited with his wife and daughter for hours. Meanwhile, rioters stormed the Capitol, as some chanted, 'Hang Mike Pence.'
Pence has repeatedly denounced Trump's actions that day and defended his own decision to certify the results of the election, which former President Biden won.
Hemphill said that the nation will 'forever be grateful' for Pence's actions that day.
'Mike Pence put his life on the line that day, as we know the rioters were calling for his death!' she said.
Trump's pardons covered more than 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants charged in connection with the riot. He also commuted the sentences of extremist group leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
Updated at 6:02 p.m. EDT
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