Former President Donald Trump recently granted a full pardon to a Kentucky man, Dan Wilson, who was implicated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The pardon was issued on November 14, but the Justice Department had not made an official announcement as of November 15.
Background on Dan Wilson
Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy related to the Capitol attack and faced additional charges for firearms violations. In 2024, he was sentenced to five years in prison along with three years of supervised release. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
Involvement in the Capitol Attack
The Justice Department revealed that Wilson began organizing for the Capitol attack in late 2020. On December 27, he expressed a chilling commitment, stating, “I am ready to lay my life on the line. It is time for good men to do bad things.”
Militia Associations
Wilson has been linked to various militia groups, including the Gray Ghost Partisan Rangers. He was reportedly part of a larger, unnamed militia during the Capitol incident.
Previous Convictions and Legal Issues
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Possession of an unregistered firearm
These convictions also stemmed from offenses in Kentucky, illustrating Wilson’s complex legal history prior to receiving the pardon.
Trump’s Pardon History
This pardon is part of a broader trend; Trump previously pardoned over 1,500 individuals associated with January 6 events on his first day in office. Wilson’s case highlights the controversial nature of such clemency actions.
