On his first day in office, President Trump made a controversial move that stunned many: he pardoned nearly all the rioters involved in the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This decision isn’t just about giving these individuals a second chance – it’s a bold statement that some fear could encourage more political violence in the future. Take Philip Sean Grillo, for example. A former Republican leader in Queens, he was convicted for his role in the riot, where he bragged about “storming the Capitol” and high-fived others while fighting police. When sentenced to a year in prison, he confidently taunted the judge, claiming Trump would pardon him. And he was right. Grillo is now among the 1,500 rioters who received full pardons, with 14 others seeing their sentences reduced. This mass pardon doesn’t just overturn jury verdicts and judicial decisions. It undermines the entire justice system that worked tirelessly for years to hold nearly 1,600 rioters accountable. Over 1,100 were convicted, and more than 600 were sentenced to prison. But with one sweeping action, those consequences were erased. The message this sends is alarming. It suggests that breaking the law in support of Trump – even through violent acts – can go unpunished. Trump’s pardons seem to legitimize the rioters’ actions, portraying their violence as acceptable political expression. This move could embolden others to follow suit, thinking they, too, can act outside the law without facing consequences. By pardoning those who tried to disrupt a constitutional process, Trump’s actions risk normalizing violence in political disputes. It’s a worrying signal that could have long-lasting effects on American democracy. The question now is: will this set a dangerous precedent for the future? Only time will tell.