Pam Hemphill’s life looks a lot different today than it did a little over four years ago. At that time, this retired substance abuse counselor from Boise, Idaho was being treated for breast cancer. She was also an active member of a group that planned to storm the US Capital. And on January 6, 2021, Pam and thousands of others did just that. Five people were killed, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.
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At the time, Pam felt justified in joining the riots, believing that the 2020 presidential election had been “stolen.” But that changed after she was sentenced to 60 days in prison. Now, Pam is so apologetic for the part she played on this tragic day, she’s refusing President Trump’s pardon. This pardon is one Trump issued to Pam and nearly 1,600 others. She even visited Washington DC to apologize to Capitol Police officers for her part in the Jan 6 riot, as seen below.
@cnn Pam Hemphill stormed the US Capitol 4 years ago on January 6. She visited Washington, DC recently and spoke with CNN’s Annie Grayer about why she wanted to come back and apologize to Capitol Police officers. #cnn #news ♬ original sound – CNN
A presidential pardon is rarely turned down, as you might imagine. The benefits include: legal forgiveness, restored rights to vote or run for public office, and an end to any further punishment. Pam, however, insists that “accepting a pardon would only insult the Capital police officers, rule of law, and, of course, our nation.”
After Refusing a Pardon From President Trump, Pam Hemphill Chooses to Apologize to Capital Police for Her Part in Jan 6 Riot
What prompted Pam to reevaluate her actions and beliefs? A loving yet tough intervention from her family. This intervention felt oddly similar to ones this former counselor used to give recovering drug addicts. This can be seen in the way Pam says her family told her, “Pam, you’re in a cult. You really need to get out of that… We really care about you, but this is a cult. You’re trapped in a cult.”
As Pam stands firm on the truth of what happened January 6, she continues to receive death threats. These threats come from those who insist that nothing bad happened that day. However, that isn’t stopping her from doing what she can to ensure the plaque honoring Capital Police Officers is actually placed. This action is just one way she hopes to make amends. Thankfully, Pam’s efforts are not going unnoticed. She is also being met with love and forgiveness.
“Accountability matters. Respect to Pamela for owning her actions and advocating for Capitol Police. Healing starts with honesty,” one person writes in reply to Pam delivering her apologizes, with another person adding, “THIS is a proper apology, changed behavior and accountability.”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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