Pamela Hemphill, a former supporter of the "Maga" movement, has made headlines by refusing a presidential pardon offered by Donald Trump for her role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Hemphill pleaded guilty in January 2022 and was subsequently sentenced to 60 days in prison and three years of probation. Her decision to reject the pardon underscores her desire to take accountability for her actions during the tumultuous events aimed at overturning the 2020 presidential election results.
Hemphill, who was arrested two days after the Capitol riot when authorities received a tip about her plans, was also apprehended on January 6 itself. She attended the riot alongside the Proud Boys and streamed her involvement on YouTube, further implicating herself in the day's chaos. Despite the offer of clemency, Hemphill has chosen to file a letter of rejection for Trump's pardon, aligning her actions with a personal transformation that saw her sever ties with the "Maga" ideology.
In a notable aspect of her journey, Hemphill likened her previous involvement with "Maga" to her past struggles with alcohol addiction. Having been sober since 1979, she now serves as a substance abuse counselor and draws parallels between denial in addiction and adherence to political ideologies.
“It’s just like working with an alcoholic – when you’re in denial, you get real upset.” – Pamela Hemphill
The US Supreme Court has affirmed that recipients can indeed decline presidential pardons, allowing Hemphill to proceed with her decision. Her stance represents a significant deviation from her past beliefs and actions. During the Capitol riot, Hemphill experienced physical harm when she was pushed down, trampled on, and had her glasses broken. She credits the Capitol police with saving her life that day.
“It’s an insult to the Capitol police officers and to the rule of law and to the nation. It contributes to the propaganda that it was a peaceful protest, that the DoJ is weaponized against them and against Trump.” – Pamela Hemphill
Hemphill's change of heart in 2023 has seen her distance herself from "Maga" and instead support Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Her transformation is not only personal but also public, as she seeks to counter narratives that suggest the events of January 6 were peaceful protests.
“Other people around you told you the election had not been stolen. You went out anyway, and lied to the world that the election was stolen. But we know it wasn’t and you know it wasn’t.” – Pamela Hemphill
She continues to urge for truth and accountability, emphasizing the importance of confronting false narratives with facts.
“Still, you want to continue with your narrative, but we’re going to keep bringing the facts to prove you wrong.” – Pamela Hemphill