Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Defendant, Faces Rearrest on Gun Charge
President Trump pardoned a Jan. 6 defendant charged with assaulting police, only to face rearrest on federal gun charges that have been pending for nearly two years in Florida.
Background of the Case
Daniel Ball, one of the individuals charged with violence on Jan. 6, 2021, targeted at police, was part of the mob whose charges were dropped following Trump’s directive. Trump’s actions led to the dismissal of numerous pending cases related to the Capitol riot.
Despite having his assault charges dismissed, Ball remained in pretrial detention in Washington, D.C., due to the severity of the offenses he was involved in during the January 6 events.
The Allegations Against Ball
Among the charges against Ball was the throwing of an explosive device into the crowded Lower West Terrace tunnel of the Capitol, causing harm to officers and leading to significant violence against law enforcement.
The magistrate judge highlighted that the explosive incident resulted in officers suffering hearing loss for extended periods. Additionally, Ball was accused of throwing a large piece of wood at the officers protecting the Capitol, further escalating the violence.
Even though Ball’s charges related to Jan. 6 were dropped following Trump’s intervention, his felony charge for being in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon remained unresolved. The indictment revealed Ball’s prior convictions for domestic violence and resisting law enforcement.
Recent Developments
It is uncertain whether U.S. marshals executed the arrest warrant for Ball before his release on the Jan. 6 charges. Nevertheless, this case marks the first federal criminal proceeding in Washington since Trump’s pardon spree.
While the situation surrounding Ball’s legal status remains complex, the sequence of events underscores the ongoing repercussions of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the subsequent legal actions taken against the involved individuals.
