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Trump's Pardoned Rioter Reoffends, Sparks Safety Concerns

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Andrew Paul Johnson, a Jan. 6 rioter.
He later received a life sentence for sexually abusing two children.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) criticized the pardon, saying it made Americans less safe.
Johnson abused the victims after the pardon and attempted to silence them with restitution promises from the Trump administration.
Victims expressed fear and confusion about the abuse at the time.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Andrew Paul Johnson, a Jan. 6 rioter.
He later received a life sentence for sexually abusing two children.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) criticized the pardon, saying it made Americans less safe.
Johnson abused the victims after the pardon and attempted to silence them with restitution promises from the Trump administration.
Victims expressed fear and confusion about the abuse at the time.