Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers who played a significant role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, reportedly returned to the scene of the crime on Wednesday.
Several Capitol Hill reporters spotted Rhodes at a Dunkin' in the Longworth House Office Building, seated with two women and a man.
Rhodes was freed after President Donald Trump pardoned his seditious conspiracy conviction, ending an 18-year prison sentence he faced.
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Republicans who expressed anger about violent attackers being freed now appear to be standing down.
"I unambiguously condemn in the strongest possible terms any and all forms of violent protest. Any individual who committed violence today should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Jan. 6, 2021. "It is beyond time to remember that while we may disagree, we are all Americans, and there is far more that unites us than divides us. I extend my deepest thanks to the United States Capitol Police for protecting the Capitol complex today and all days."
Wednesday morning, Johnson changed his statement.
"The president has the pardon and commutation authority. It's his decision. And I think what was made clear all along is that peaceful protests and people who engage in that should never be punished," said Johnson.
At least one former Capitol Police officer is filing for protective orders from the attackers freed by Trump.
See the photos below:
