'Shows your commitment to rule of law': Trump's ex-VP Mike Pence applauds woman who refused pardon for Jan 6 riots

A former Donald Trump supporter who participated in the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol building, has shared a letter from ex-vice president Mike Pence, who applauded her for turning down Trump's presidential pardon.

Pence, who was Trump's vice president during the latter's first term in office, told Pamela "Pam" Hemphill that he appreciates her "commitment to the rule of law."

"It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it," Hemphill, the now-former "MAGA (Make America Great Again) Granny" posted on X, along with the letter.


In it, Pence said, "Dear Pamela, I am writing to express my admiration for your decision to refuse a presidential pardon and accept responsibility for your actions on January 6th, which was a tragic day."


The Republican further stated that he fulfilled his duty by certifying peaceful transfer of power to the next president and vice president - Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, respectively.

He added, "Your honorable decision speaks volume about your commitment to the Rule of Law and I wanted to pass along my genuine respect. I am certain that your willingness to accept responsibility has inspired many Americans by your example of integrity and faith. May God bless you and your family with every blessing in the years ahead."

Earlier this month, Hemphill, who spent two months in a federal prison and remains on probation for her participation in the violence, told CNN that accepting a pardon would be a “slap” in the face to Capitol police officers and the rule of law.

Trump granted pardon to around 1,500 Capitol building rioters in January, in one of the first actions of his second and final term. In November last year, he defeated Harris to become America's president for a second time.

Instead of Pence, the MAGA leader chose JD Vance as his vice president.