Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Trump vows freedom for jailed Capitol rioters, U.S. border closure if he wins November poll

Mr Trump said the Capitol rioters were hostages wrongly imprisoned.

• March 12, 2024
President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump

Former U.S President, Donald Trump, on Monday said if he wins the November presidential poll he will ensure freedom for jailed Capitol rioters whom he described as “hostages wrongly imprisoned.’’

He also stated that freeing the rioters and closing the U.S border would be the first of his acts when elected. 

“My first acts as your next President will be to close the border, Drill, Baby, Drill, and free the January 6 hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!,” Mr Trump said on his truth social account.

Mr Trump’s statement comes as he maintains a clear lead in the race to emerge Republican Party candidate for the November 5 presidential election.

On January 6, 2021, pro-Trump supporters besieged the Capitol to disrupt a joint session of the U.S. Congress from ratifying presidential election results.

U.S. authorities estimated losses suffered as a result of the attack on the Capitol building to be over $2.8 million.

United States Attorney’s Office said, “more than 1,069 defendants have been charged in nearly all 50 states and the District of Columbia.”

It added, “Approximately 561 federal defendants have had their cases adjudicated and received sentences for their criminal activity on January 6. Approximately 335 have been sentenced to periods of incarceration.” 

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