President Trump issues sweeping pardon of 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants, including rioters who attacked police [Video]

President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned more than 1,500 of his supporters charged with crimes in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, including people who assaulted police, using his clemency powers on his first day in office to dismantle the largest investigation and prosecution in Justice Department history.Related video above: Pam Bondi discusses pardons for Jan. 6 rioters during attorney general confirmation hearing Among those set to be released from prison are defendants captured on camera committing violent attacks on law enforcement as lawmakers met to certify President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. Leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys extremist groups convicted of seditious conspiracy in the most serious cases brought by the Justice Department will also be freed from prison after having their sentences commuted.Trump is directing the attorney general to seek the dismissal of about 450 pending Jan. 6 cases.The pardons were expected …