Jan. 6 influencers
Pardoned by Trump, many Jan. 6 rioters are now working to capitalize on the attention through podcasts, speaking tours and self-branded merchandise.
Full story: They stormed the Capitol. Now they’re selling merch
A man convicted of beating police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack now sells $50 “J6 Hostages” T-shirts and is launching a 22-stop nationwide “Freedom Tour.”
Another, who calls himself a “J6 Former Felon” on X, is soliciting donations for a personal “Freedom Fund” to support a cross-country RV tour with his wife. They want to spread their message about what he describes as “corrupted” legal, law enforcement and prison systems.
And a third who paraded House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern around the Capitol and later told a judge his “very stupid” actions had made “a mockery of a very intense” day now hawks $200 toy lecterns featuring his viral silhouette.
Absolved by President Donald Trump’s sweeping pardons and feeling vindicated by his reelection, rioters who once lay low in the aftermath of the attack on the Capitol or otherwise felt unwelcome on mainstream platforms are taking on new identities as online influencers.
The Washington Post identified more than four dozen who now promote themselves online as “J6ers” and have worked to profit from their connection to the day’s chaos, recording podcasts, announcing runs for public office and advertising merchandise lines.
Many are finding a place on X, which under billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk has cut back on moderating election disinformation and become the MAGA movement’s main online home. Several said in interviews they felt free to openly identify as Jan. 6 “hostages” and “political prisoners” without fear of penalty.
“The culture has changed,” said former Proud Boys chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in planning the attack. He was barred from being in Washington that day after being arrested before the riot. “Since I left prison, I’ve walked into this multiverse that’s cool as s—.”
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