Capitol riots defendant Pamela Hemphill, who refused pardon, apologizes directly to Capitol Police
WASHINGTON, DC : Pamela Hemphill, a January 6 riot defendant who previously turned down a presidential pardon, publicly expressed remorse for her role in the Capitol attack, addressing US Capitol Police officers during a congressional hearing marking five years since the violence.
Hemphill, often referred to in media coverage as the 'MAGA Granny,' told officers she regrets joining the mob that stormed the Capitol and placed law enforcement lives at risk.
“I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart for being part of the mob that put you and so many officers in danger,” she said.
“I want the Capitol Police to know how truly grateful I am to them and how deeply sorry I am”, she added.
Pamela slams efforts to downplay Capitol riots
Acknowledging the ongoing efforts to deny and downplay riots, Pamela said, “I can't believe people are still disrespecting you and trying to lie about January the 6th.”
“I will do everything I can to stop the lies about our brave officers like you who protected us during the attack”, she added further.
Five years after supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, @HouseDemocrats are holding an unofficial hearing featuring testimony from former law enforcement, state officials and Americans who witnessed the attack. https://t.co/oVtHb9BChd
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) January 6, 2026
Pamela Hemphill’s apology came as House Democrats convened a hearing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riots, revisiting testimony from witnesses and lawmakers about the events of that day and broader concerns about threats to US democracy.
Nancy Pelosi, also present at the event had earlier attacked Trump on X saying “January 6th was an attempted coup”.
Pelosi added, “The American people must remain vigilant that those who seek to forget, minimize, or excuse January 6th invite its repetition.”
Five years ago today, the United States Capitol was attacked in a violent insurrection incited by the President of the United States for one purpose: to overturn a free and fair election and cling to power in clear violation of the Constitution. January 6th was not an aberration…
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 6, 2026
The forum drew on findings from the now-defunct House select committee that investigated the January 6 attack, including its extensive review of President Donald Trump’s conduct and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Inside the 18-month-long probe
The House January 6 Committee spent 18 months examining the attack, conducting interviews with more than 1,000 witnesses and holding a series of public hearings.
Before disbanding in 2023, the panel voted to refer Trump to the Justice Department on four federal charges, including aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the riot, a move that has sparked backlash from Democrats and law enforcement groups.
Now, Hemphill’s remarks stand out as a rare expression of accountability from a January 6 defendant, delivered directly to the officers who defended the Capitol during the attack.
