2 brothers released from Washington DC prison among more than 1,500 January 6 rioters pardoned by Trump

WASHINGTON (7News) — Two brothers convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6 riots were released from prison in Washington on Monday, according to White House liaison to the Justice Department Paul Ingrassia.

Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered outside the DC Central Detention Center in Southeast Washington on Monday after the president pardoned more than 1,500 participants charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. United States, on his first day in office.

Andrew Valentin, 26, and Matthew Valentin, 31, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were just sentenced last Friday.

In September, Matthew pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing certain police officers. Andrew pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing certain officers and a second count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon .

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The two Pennsylvania brothers were charged after being identified in an open source video, according to court documents. The video shows the brothers walking from the Washington Monument along Constitution Avenue toward the U.S. Capitol building.

The brothers were among the crowd that rushed toward the police line as rioters shouted “push, push, push.” The brothers then pushed a metal barricade against a line of Capitol Police officers.

Court documents say Matthew Valentin approached the new police line and sprayed a chemical irritant at the officers. They also say he grabbed a police baton and tried to wrestle it out of the officer’s hands.

Among those pardoned are 11 others currently detained at the prison, according to the D.C. Department of Corrections. These individuals include both people in pretrial detention and people awaiting transfer to federal prison.

Outside the Washington DC prison, a growing group of supporters gathered, braving the cold before the sun set. They waved American flags and held signs referring to the Jan. 6 detainees as “hostages” and “patriots.” Friends and families of the inmates eagerly awaited news of the pardons.

A heavy Metropolitan Police presence was seen at the scene, ensuring the gathering remained peaceful.

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“Well, today we are here. It’s a new day and new sheriffs in town and I hope they correct the problems that characterized 2020,” said Ben Pollock, a member of the family of one of the detainees. “This country needs to be restored and that will start with correcting the problems.”

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has indicated that the process of releasing pardoned individuals could be immediate or take a few days, depending on the type of pardon and necessary travel arrangements.

Authorities are still awaiting confirmation of the release schedule for other inmates held in Southeast Washington.