US Marshals' Unprecedented Efforts Facilitate Release of 1,500+ January 6 Defendants After Trump Pardons

US Marshals' Efforts Around Trump's January 6 Pardons Were "Highly Unusual" Washington D.C. - Newly obtained records reveal that the US Marshals Service went to extraordinary lengths to facilitate the release of January 6 defendants after President Donald Trump granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol siege. According to documents obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by the ethics watchdog CREW, Ronald Carter, the US marshal for DC, sent an email on January 21, the day after Trump's inauguration, asking federal judges to include specific language in a judicial order allowing defendants to be released from custody. This move was seen as "highly unusual" by experts. "We've never seen anything like this before," said Anne Weismann, chief counsel at CREW. "The Marshals Service is typically responsible for ensuring the safe and secure transportation of federal prisoners, not facilitating their release." The records show that the Marshals Service worked closely with Trump's team to ensure a smooth transition for the pardoned defendants, who were released from the DC Central Detention Facility on January 20, 2025. Supporters gathered outside the facility to await the release of their loved ones. "It was like they were trying to expedite the process as much as possible," said one source familiar with the situation. "It's not typical for the Marshals Service to get involved in the pardon process like this." The January 6 pardons have been widely criticized by lawmakers and experts, who argue that Trump's decision undermines the rule of law and erodes trust in the justice system. "This is a clear example of how the Trump administration used its power to undermine the rule of law," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "These pardons are a slap in the face to the victims of January 6 and their families." The records obtained by CREW provide further insight into the unprecedented nature of Trump's pardon decision, which has sparked intense debate about the limits of presidential power. Background: In the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol siege, over 1,500 individuals were charged with various crimes related to the insurrection. In a surprise move, President Trump granted pardons to many of these defendants in January 2025, sparking widespread criticism and calls for accountability. The US Marshals Service is responsible for ensuring the safe and secure transportation of federal prisoners, but its involvement in facilitating the release of January 6 defendants has raised questions about its role in the pardon process. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the records obtained by CREW highlight the need for greater transparency and oversight in the pardon process. "The public deserves to know more about how these pardons were granted," said Weismann. "The Marshals Service's involvement raises serious questions about the integrity of the justice system." Current Status: The US Marshals Service has declined to comment on the records obtained by CREW, citing ongoing investigations into the January 6 pardons. As the debate over Trump's pardon decision continues, lawmakers and experts are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the pardon process. "It's time for Congress to take action and pass legislation that ensures the pardon process is fair and transparent," said Senator Schumer. *Reporting by Motherjones.*