UPDATE: J6 Prisoners Welcomed Back to CPAC following expulsion from the event earlier this week

As of February 21, 2025, the situation regarding January 6 (J6) prisoners being excluded from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has seen significant developments.

Initially, several pardoned J6 defendants, including prominent figures like Jake Lang, Enrique Tarrio, and Stewart Rhodes, reported being denied entry or escorted out of CPAC 2025, which began on February 19 at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland.

This sparked outrage among their supporters, especially given that President Donald Trump had pardoned over 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol protest on his first day back in office, January 20, 2025. Many of these individuals had anticipated a warm welcome at CPAC, a traditionally supportive venue for Trump-aligned conservatives.

The initial exclusions occurred on Wednesday, February 19. Jake Lang, who had rented a booth and planned to live-stream, was forcibly removed while broadcasting, claiming he was told he wasn’t welcome despite having purchased tickets and a booth. Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, and former Proud Boys members like Tarrio, Dominic Pezzola, and Ethan Nordean were also denied credentials upon arrival, with CPAC staff citing vague “legal” reasons. No detailed explanations were provided, leading to speculation and anger among J6 supporters who saw this as a betrayal, especially after Trump’s pardons and CPAC’s historical sympathy toward their cause.

The backlash was swift. Social media posts from X and reports from outlets like The Gateway Pundit highlighted the incidents with Lang calling for a boycott and others questioning CPAC’s commitment to the J6 community.

The situation escalated until Thursday morning, February 20, when CPAC officials, facing mounting criticism, reversed course. They issued a statement denying any blanket ban, asserting their support for Trump’s pardons and the J6 “victims,” and confirming that the registration link remained active. Following this, many J6 defendants, including Rhodes and Tarrio, were allowed entry.

By Thursday, the narrative shifted to celebration inside the convention hall. Pardoned J6ers like Michael Curzio and Gabriel Garcia were present, with Garcia notably wearing a shirt labeling himself a “Political Prisoner.” Reports described them receiving “rockstar treatment,” with attendees welcoming them as heroes, taking selfies, and featuring them in events like quiz shows and WarRoom interviews. Brian Mock, another J6 defendant, remarked on the dramatic shift in perception, noting standing ovations compared to past vilification.

However, the initial exclusions left lingering tension. Some, like Richard Barnett—known for posing with his feet on Nancy Pelosi’s desk—expressed confusion and frustration over the ordeal, despite eventually attending. CPAC chair Matt Schlapp’s apology and the subsequent admittance of J6ers quelled some anger, but the incident highlighted a rocky start to what was meant to be a triumphant return for Trump and his supporters at CPAC 2025.

The exact reasons for the initial rejections remain unclear, with CPAC’s vague reference to “legal” issues fueling speculation about internal disputes or external pressures. For now, the J6 presence at CPAC has been restored, turning a potential PR crisis into a rallying point for the conference. 17GEN4.com