Takeaways From Ap's Report On Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioters Being Embraced In Republican Politics

Those who rioted, assaulted police officers or broke into congressional offices during the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 are now being received as honored guest speakers at local Republican events around the country.

Since President Donald Trump pardoned about 1,500 rioters on his first day in office, some of those involved in the attack are getting a platform to tell their version of events and are drawing praise in some conservative circles as heroes and martyrs.

Some are considering runs for office, recognizing that at least among a certain segment of the pro-Trump base, they are seen not as criminals, but as patriots.

His arrest roiled his campaign for governor. Now he's back in the political spotlight

Ryan Kelley thought he had a good shot at becoming Michigan's governor in 2022. That is, until he was charged with misdemeanors for participating in the riot. His campaign sputtered and he finished fourth out of five candidates in the Republican primary.