Unmasking the Danger: A Look at the Jan. 6 Pardon Controversy

In a surprising move, President Trump issued pardons to over 1, 500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol incident. This decision has sparked concerns about the potential risks posed by those with violent histories who were released without proper monitoring. Shantelle Holeton, a 43-year-old factory worker, voted for Trump three times. She has a personal reason to worry. She was abused by Peter Schwartz, a Jan. 6 defendant, in 2019. Schwartz was convicted for threatening her. In 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to over 14 years in prison for assaulting police officers during the riot. Schwartz was known for his violent behavior, including spraying officers with pepper spray and wielding a baton. Schwartz's criminal record was extensive, including domestic violence and assaulting police officers. Despite this, he was pardoned by President Trump. This decision has raised questions about the safety of those who might be targeted by individuals like Schwartz. Schwartz has a history of violent behavior. He was convicted for threatening police and domestic violence. He was also involved in the Jan. 6 riot, where he was one of the most violent participants. Schwartz's actions during the riot included throwing the first chair at officers, allowing hundreds of rioters to push back police lines. Schwartz's actions during the riot were not an isolated incident. He had a history of assaulting police officers and women. His criminal record included previous clashes with police and domestic violence. Despite this, he was pardoned by President Trump. This decision has raised concerns about the safety of those who might be targeted by individuals like Schwartz. Schwartz has been released from prison and has appeared in public proclaiming his innocence. He has been cited the appeals court decision as proof of his innocence. However, the appeals court only reversed one of the 11 charges against him, and none of the assault charges. Schwartz is not the only Jan. 6 defendant with an extensive criminal history. A CBS News analysis found that at least 159 of pardoned Jan. 6 defendants had criminal records prior to that day. That includes at least 41 people who had been convicted of at least one violent crime prior to their actions on Jan. 6. Holeton met Schwartz on Facebook in 2019 and moved in with him in Owensboro, Kentucky. She says it was perfect for two weeks, and then things changed. She alleges Schwartz beat her. She says the violence persisted until she called the police in July 2019 when she alleged Schwartz was threatening to kill her and her son. Photos taken by the Kentucky State Police show numerous firearms belonging to Schwartz found on the property. Schwartz was eventually charged and convicted for "terroristic threatening" and possessing a handgun. Holeton was not surprised when she heard Schwartz had been at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. She says he thrives on violence. She was afraid even when Schwartz was in prison. She walked around the house with a big butcher knife, because she was afraid that they were just gonna let him out and he was just gonna show up. Holeton was relieved when she heard Schwartz would be in prison for more than a decade. She took to TikTok and Facebook to share an old photo of her battered face and a screenshot of Schwartz's sentencing, with the caption, "whether you agree with the J6 prisoners or not, myself and all the other women he beat on finally got some justice. " Holeton believes that most of those people should have been allowed to go home, but not people like Pete. She says, "The idea of pardoning people who had criminal histories, violent histories, it's a really poor choice if you're thinking about public safety going forward. "