Haralson County Resident Expects Pardon from Trump
A Georgia defendant in the January 6 Capitol riot case, Philip “Bunky” Crawford, has made it clear that he holds no remorse for his actions during the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Crawford, a Haralson County resident, was one of the many Donald Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
During a phone interview on Monday, Crawford shared his perspective on that fateful day, stating that he believed he was in the right. He was photographed wearing a “Stop the Steal” shirt and a hoodie as he confronted Capitol police. While other rioters may have had different intentions, Crawford insists his primary aim was simply to show support for Trump.
“I believe in my heart, 100 percent, that I did right. And I believe other ‘January Sixers’ would say the same,” Crawford said confidently.
The Day of the Capitol Attack: A Show of Force
On January 6, 2021, then-President Trump delivered a speech urging his supporters to “go to the Capitol” to contest the election results. He mixed messages by urging the crowd to “go in peace” while simultaneously encouraging them to “fight like hell.” Many of his supporters took the latter message literally, which resulted in violent clashes with police officers, injuries, and widespread chaos.
Crawford’s involvement in the event attracted attention due to the visual evidence of his presence at the Capitol, as photos and videos captured him up close to law enforcement. He was charged with felony disorderly conduct and assaulting police officers, ultimately pleading guilty to these charges.
However, Crawford remains steadfast in his belief that he wasn’t there to undermine the election certification, as many others were accused of doing. He insists that his purpose was simple: he went to Washington to express his gratitude to Donald Trump.
“I went there to say ‘thank you’ to Trump,” Crawford explained. “And that’s all I went there for.”
The Potential for a Pardon: Crawford’s Hopes Rest on Trump’s Return to Office
Despite his guilty plea, Crawford’s faith in a presidential pardon remains strong. He is among a group of individuals charged in the Capitol riot who are hoping for clemency from Trump, who has signaled his intent to pardon many of those convicted.
“My hopes are: when Trump gets into office, he gives us our pardons, and restores our country back to the way it was, you know? That’s my hopes,” Crawford said, expressing a sense of optimism about the upcoming political change.
Trump’s stance on pardoning January 6 defendants has been clear. He has promised to consider pardoning many individuals charged in connection with the Capitol attack once he assumes office again. Crawford, like many of his fellow rioters, is pinning his hopes on this promise.
While Crawford remains unapologetic, the aftermath of January 6 continues to shape the legal, political, and social landscape in the United States. The repercussions for those involved in the attack remain ongoing, but for some, like Crawford, the belief in redemption through a pardon remains a guiding hope.
