Hutchinson won’t pardon Jan. 6 rioters en masse.

Former Gov. Hutchinson Rejects Blanket Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters

“First of all, there would be no blanket pardons. Secondly it was a very serious offense challenging the fundamentals of our democracy, an attempt to overturn the election,”

“So I view it as seriously and any pardon application would be viewed just like any pardon application that I viewed as governor and I would do that as president but no blanket pardons.”

Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) made it clear that he will not be issuing blanket pardons to those involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection, putting himself in stark contrast with former President Donald Trump. Speaking on MSNBC’s Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart, Hutchinson emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need to uphold the fundamentals of democracy.

Rejecting Blanket Pardons

Hutchinson firmly stated that he would not be granting blanket pardons to those convicted of participating in the Jan. 6 riot. He explained that any pardon application would be viewed on a case-by-case basis, just like any other pardon application he reviewed as governor. Hutchinson emphasized that the insurrection was a serious offense that challenged the very foundations of democracy, and therefore, any pardon application would be taken seriously.

Looking to the Future

Hutchinson also shared his belief that President Joe Biden was duly elected in 2020. He went on to say that he had a practice of waiting at least 10 years after a conviction and sentence served before considering a pardon. Hutchinson made it clear that he would not be granting any blanket pardons in this case.

Contrasting Views

While Hutchinson rejected blanket pardons, former President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) have both expressed their willingness to consider pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection. As the 2024 GOP presidential primary approaches, the differing views on pardons may become a key issue for voters.

Read more: The Washington Examiner