A Trump-pardoned January 6 rioter has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating a new plot to spark armed insurrection and civil war on U.S. soil.
At a Glance
- A Tennessee man previously pardoned for January 6 was convicted of domestic terrorism.
- Secret FBI recordings revealed plans for mass violence and targeted assassinations.
- Prosecutors described the conspiracy as “accelerative sabotage” to incite civil war.
- Judge imposed life without parole, citing premeditation and public threat.
- Case marks the first life sentence tied to post–Jan. 6 domestic extremist plotting.
From Pardon to Plot
In a shocking reversal, a man who received clemency from President Trump for his role in the Capitol riot has now been handed a life sentence for plotting a second insurrection. As revealed in WUSA9’s investigative report, federal agents used undercover surveillance and wiretaps to document the individual’s plan to coordinate attacks on infrastructure, assassinate public officials, and “ignite national chaos” through false-flag violence.
Watch a report: Man Pardoned for Jan. 6 Gets Life in Prison for Civil War Plot
Court documents show the plan, codenamed “Liberty Storm,” included weapon caches in six states, encrypted group chats, and detailed attack logistics. The group reportedly sought to exploit political divisions ahead of the 2026 midterms, using incendiary propaganda to recruit disaffected veterans and militia affiliates. Jurors deliberated only three hours before convicting on 14 federal counts, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, interstate threats, and weapons trafficking.
Legal Shockwaves
The ruling is the most severe post–January 6 sentencing to date and signals a shift in how federal courts address domestic terror threats from formerly pardoned offenders. According to DOJ sources cited by CBS News, the case will likely serve as a model for future prosecutions under expanded anti-terror statutes.
Civil liberties groups have voiced concern over expanding federal surveillance, but prosecutors argued that “no constitutional shield exists for weaponized sedition.” The judge agreed, stating the plot’s ambition, reach, and potential loss of life demanded the maximum sentence.
Consequences and Fallout
This sentencing underscores a growing federal focus on homegrown extremism, particularly among individuals radicalized by political violence. Officials now warn of “accelerative actors” who seek chaos through ideological warfare—regardless of party allegiance.
The former rioter’s arc—from Capitol stormer to clemency recipient to convicted domestic terrorist—has reignited debate over the use of presidential pardons in politically charged cases. It also raises questions about how post-pardon supervision and de-radicalization efforts are handled for extremist offenders.
