Full Breakdown
Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Arrested After Threatening Churchgoer with Gun
5/13/2026, 1:30:23 AM
Arrest of Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter
Ryan Nichols, 36, who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol assault, was arrested and charged with deadly conduct after allegedly brandishing a pistol and confronting a man at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Harleton, Texas. Police say Nichols displayed the firearm, gripped the weapon, and continued approaching the victim as he tried to place his child in a vehicle, prompting fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
Prior Conviction and Presidential Pardon
In 2023 Nichols pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of an official proceeding and felony assault of officers. On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a pardon to Nichols and five Jan. 6 defendants. Nichols later claimed he had “completely changed” since the attack.
Threat at Oak Grove Baptist Church
The confrontation on Jan. 6, 2025, began when Nichols approached a man over a “prior disagreement” in the church parking lot. Sheriff B.J. Fletcher said Nichols raised his shirt to expose the pistol, gripped the gun, and gestured in a way that caused the Bible-holding victim to fear for his life. A bystander intervened, de-escalating the encounter before police arrived. Nichols faces a harassment warrant and may be charged with a count.
Timeline of Key Events
- Jan 6, 2021 – Capitol attack; Nichols present.
- 2023 – Guilty plea: obstruction, assault.
- Jan 20, 2025 – Trump pardons Nichols, five others.
- Jan 6, 2025 – Threat at Oak Grove Baptist Church.
- Jan 7, 2025 – Arrest on deadly conduct.
- June 9, 2025 – Arraignment scheduled.
Law-Enforcement Response
Harrison County officials labeled Nichols’ actions as deadly conduct. Sheriff’s office stressed that the victim was unarmed, Nichols ignored repeated requests to leave, and a bystander’s intervention averted escalation. Observers note the contrast between Nichols’ claim of having “completely changed” and his alleged brandishing of a firearm, indicating a pattern of confrontational behavior.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have questioned Nichols’ claim of personal reform, noting the stark contrast between his 2023 guilty plea and the 2025 gun threat. The incident fuels concerns that the pardon may not have mitigated his confrontational behavior.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He gripped it completely,” — B.J. Fletcher, Harrison County Sheriff
- “He did more than enough gesture to put you in fear of your life. That constitutes deadly conduct.” — B.J. Fletcher, Harrison County Sheriff
- “I am the person to blame for what happened that day,” — Ryan Nichols, convicted Jan. 6 rioter
- “You were pardoned once. There are no guarantees beyond that.” — Ryan Nichols, 2025 interview
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sheriff’s office says Nichols may face an additional charge related to the deadly conduct incident, but the charge is undisclosed. The victim’s identity and any injuries remain unnamed.
What’s Next
Nichols is slated for arraignment on June 9, 2025, where the deadly conduct charge and counts will be considered. Prosecutors may also pursue the harassment warrant, leading to further penalties.
