President Donald Trump pardoned roughly 1,500 defendants for their participation in the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, including some who attacked police. The sentences of others were commuted and some had their existing trial dates dismissed. The sweeping measure indefinitely closes one of the largest criminal investigations in FBI history.

Among those pardoned was Enrique Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, who was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Trump has referred to defendants in the Jan. 6 trial as “hostages.” On Monday, he said those who had been sentenced served long enough. 

The move faced criticism from experts, who said it could encourage far-right political violence. In contrast, most Republicans gave more muted responses, in some cases voicing approval of the pardons. 

Trump has faced significant legal pressure for his involvement with the Jan. 6 riot, which occurred after he lost the presidential race to the Democratic candidate, former president Joe Biden, in 2020. Earlier this month, special counsel Jack Smith said there was sufficient evidence to convict Trump had the election subversion case he faced gone to trial.