Pamela Hemphill, a 71-year-old grandmother from Idaho, recently pleaded guilty to charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot and received a 60-day jail sentence. This self-identified “MAGA granny” opted to decline a pardon from former President Trump, asserting that such an act would belittle the Capitol police, the rule of law, and the nation. Hemphill expressed regret regarding her participation, stating the events on that day were an insurrection and acknowledging that she was “on the wrong side of history”.
Following her prison term, Hemphill will be placed on federal probation for nine months. She candidly stated, “We broke the law,” and underscored her belief that no pardons should be granted for those involved in the riot, as accepting one would support a false narrative surrounding the events. Trump recently issued a sweeping pardon for over 1,500 individuals charged in relation to January 6, claiming it would rectify injustices faced by them. However, Hemphill remains firm in her stance against such measures, prioritising accountability over absolution.