Pamela Hemphill, a defendant charged in connection with the January 6th, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, has refused a pardon issued by former President Donald Trump. Trump issued the pardon on his first day back in the White House. Hemphill is reportedly the sole individual among the approximately 1,500 January 6th defendants pardoned to reject the offer.
Details surrounding Hemphill's motivations remain limited, but sources close to the case suggest she believes accepting the pardon would imply guilt. By rejecting the pardon, Hemphill appears to be maintaining her innocence and possibly pursuing further legal challenges. Experts note that accepting a pardon is generally viewed as an admission of guilt, while rejecting it allows a person to continue fighting the charges.
The CBS News report notes that this is an unusual move, as most individuals facing criminal charges would readily accept a pardon to avoid potential penalties. The implications of this rejection for Hemphill's legal standing remain to be seen. Further updates will be provided as the story develops.
Jan. 6 Defendant Refuses Trump Pardon, Returns It
Pamela Hemphill, who participated in the January 6th riot, has rejected a pardon offered by former President Trump. Hemphill was among the 1,500 individuals pardoned by Trump upon his return to the White House. She is reportedly the only defendant to refuse the pardon. Legal experts are weighing in on the unusual decision.
Source: Read the original article at CBS