January Archives - The American Retiree

Trump Issues Sweeping Pardons for January 6 Capitol Riot Defendants and Appoints Key Ally as Interim U.S. Attorney

Washington, D.C. – In a sweeping move that has surprised many, including officials within his own administration, former President Donald Trump granted full pardons to individuals convicted of offenses related to the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. The pardons, which also encompass the dismissal of pending indictments for those not yet convicted, highlight a significant shift in the handling of these cases. Following his executive action, Trump appointed Ed Martin, a conservative activist and …

Trump Grants Pardon to Majority of January 6 Defendants, Commands Immediate Release from Custody

Washington — In a sweeping move that has rattled the political landscape, former President Donald Trump has issued pardons for nearly all individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, simultaneously ordering the immediate release of those imprisoned. This unprecedented decision revives the contentious debate over the events of that day when supporters stormed the Capitol, disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Trump’s action targets the legal repercussions faced by …

Tragedy and Triumph: Reflecting on a Decade Since Tucson Shooting and Key Historical Events on January 8th

On January 8, a date deeply etched in international history, the annual reflection on past and pivotal events takes precedence. From decisive battles that shaped nations to groundbreaking laws and tech innovations, the journey through time highlights both milestones of progress and moments of adversity. One of the earliest of such key events occurred in 1790, when U.S. President George Washington delivered the first State of the Union address. This presidential tradition laid the groundwork …

Veteran and Former National Guard Official Reflects on Parallels Between 9/11 and January 6, Expresses Concerns Over Democracy’s Future

Aaron Thacker, an experienced veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, marked two dates with deep trepidation: September 11, 2001, and January 6, 2021. Serving initially as military police and stationed at various key positions throughout his career, Thacker has a unique perspective on national crises, shaped profoundly by these pivotal and tragic events. On 9/11, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, Thacker had just completed a fitness test when he first heard the shocking …

Pelosi Reflects on Lingering Impact of January 6th Capitol Riot: “Violence Didn’t End That Day”

Washington, D.C. — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reflects on the profound and enduring impact of the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasizing that the ramifications of such violence have far extended beyond that tumultuous day. Pelosi, a central figure during the siege, recalls the incidents as a direct assault not just on the Capitol building but on democracy itself. The chaos of January 6, 2021, which unfolded when a mob stormed the Capitol, attempting to …

Washington Braces and Reflects as January 6 Anniversary Draws Near

Washington, D.C. — As the anniversary of Jan. 6 draws near, the atmosphere in the nation’s capital is one of somber reflection and heightened preparation. This date marks the incident when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, an event that resulted in widespread national and international shock. Security measures in Washington have been significantly ramped up. Barricades, increased patrols, and a heightened state of alert …

Cyclone Gabrielle’s Deadly Impact: Coroner to Probe January Devastation in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand – A judicial inquiry into the deaths resulting from severe weather events in Auckland last year commenced this morning in Auckland District Court. The proceeding is part of a broader investigation led by Coroner Erin Woolley into fatalities triggered by Cyclone Gabrielle and preceding mass floods in the region. The scope hearing, set to continue over two days, seeks to outline the critical issues for the upcoming joint inquests. In late January …

University of Waterloo Stabbing Suspect Expresses Remorse; Sentencing Set for January Amid Debates Over Motive

Waterloo, Ontario – At the University of Waterloo, a man who assaulted three individuals in a gender studies classroom last year voiced his remorse during the final stage of his sentencing hearing on Friday. Geovanny Villalba-Aleman, 25, admitted his regret to the court, though he expressed uncertainty about his mental state during the attack. “I am remorseful, even though I realize my apologies might seem insufficient,” Villalba-Aleman stated. Villalba-Aleman has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, …

Federal Prosecutors Issue Stark Warning of Potential Capitol Threat Amid Resentencing of Illinois Man Involved in January 6 Riot

Chicago, Illinois – In the ongoing judicial proceedings against individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, the case of Illinois resident Thomas B. Adams Jr. has spotlighted broader concerns about potential future threats to national security. Federal prosecutors issuing a stern warning emphasize the need for stringent sentencing to deter similar acts of insurgency. Adams, who was among the crowd that breached the Capitol, is facing a pivotal resentencing after the initial use …

Trump Incorrectly Asserts Zero Fatalities During January 6 Capitol Riot

Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump made an unfounded claim that no one died during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This statement starkly contradicts widely reported facts and official accounts that confirm several fatalities associated with the violent event. The incident, a significant breach of national security, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a police officer. Trump’s erroneous assertion appears to be part of an ongoing narrative to downplay …