Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Rioter Who Defends Actions at Pelosi’s Desk

Richard Barnett, known for the viral photo at Nancy Pelosi's desk, expresses no regrets after receiving a presidential pardon.

Richard Barnett, a January 6 participant photographed at Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk, was pardoned by Donald Trump alongside 1,600 others connected to the Capitol riot.
Barnett, sentenced to 54 months in prison in 2023 for charges including theft of government property and entering a restricted building with a weapon, served less than two years before his pardon.
During a Newsmax interview, Barnett stated he has 'no regrets' about his actions, describing the events of January 6 as necessary to expose government corruption.
Barnett criticized the government over the cost of an envelope he took from Pelosi’s office, claiming he left 25 cents as compensation and dismissing the theft charge as exaggerated.
The viral image of Barnett with his feet on Pelosi's desk remains one of the most iconic and controversial symbols of the Capitol riot.