A Self-Described ‘Terrorist’ Storms the Capitol (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Hernando County, Florida – A local handyman received a full pardon from President Donald Trump for his participation in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, only to face conviction this week on multiple counts of child sexual abuse.[1]
A Self-Described ‘Terrorist’ Storms the Capitol
Andrew Paul Johnson breached the Capitol building through a shattered window during the chaotic riot. He pleaded guilty in 2024 to nonviolent offenses, including entering restricted grounds and disorderly conduct directed at officers.[1]
Prosecutors highlighted Johnson’s social media posts where he labeled himself an “American Terrorist” and “Proud J6er.” He also violated pretrial conditions by posing with a firearm. Chief Judge James Boasberg imposed a one-year prison term, pointing to Johnson’s prior record of drug possession, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest.[1]
Trump, who has repeatedly called the more than 1,500 charged rioters “patriots,” issued pardons to nearly all of them shortly after Johnson’s sentencing.[1]
Presidential Clemency Fails to Halt New Charges
The pardon covered only federal Jan. 6 offenses and left state authorities free to pursue unrelated allegations. Hernando County Sheriff’s Office investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning several months.[1]
Johnson faced accusations of physically molesting young victims, including an 11-year-old, and exposing himself lewdly. Court records revealed his attempt to silence one victim by promising a share of $10 million in expected restitution from the Trump administration for Jan. 6 participants.[1]
Jury Delivers Swift Guilty Verdict
On Tuesday, a Hernando County jury convicted Johnson on five felony counts after a brief deliberation. The charges included lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, molestation of a child under 16, and three counts of lewd exhibition.[1]
Jurors acquitted him on one count of unlawful transmission of sexual material to a minor. William Forgie, chief assistant state attorney for Florida’s fifth judicial circuit, confirmed Johnson faces a maximum of life imprisonment at his March sentencing.[1]
- Molestation of child under 12
- Molestation of child under 16
- Lewd or lascivious exhibition (three counts)
Pattern Emerges Among Pardoned Rioters
Johnson’s case fits a troubling trend. Other individuals pardoned for Jan. 6 actions have faced fresh arrests for crimes ranging from harassment to possession of child sexual abuse material.[1]
Last week, Christopher Moynihan, another pardoned defendant, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment in New York after sending death threats to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. In a text, Moynihan wrote, “I cannot allow this terrorist to live. I will kill him for the future.”[1]
Trump once described the rioters as “peaceful people, these were great people.” The White House has not commented on compensation proposals for the pardoned or these subsequent incidents. For full details, see the original reporting by NPR.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Johnson’s federal pardon did not extend to state child abuse charges.
- He attempted to bribe a victim using promises of Jan. 6 reparations.
- Sentencing looms in March, with life in prison possible.
This conviction raises questions about the long-term consequences of sweeping clemency for Capitol riot participants. What do you think about the broader impact of these pardons? Tell us in the comments.
