Jan. 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump Lands Back in Jail on New Charges

Ryan Taylor Nichols, a 35-year-old man from Diana, Texas, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his participation in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has been arrested once again. According to Harrison County jail records obtained by CBS19, Nichols was booked on May 10 on charges of deadly conduct and harassment stemming from Panola County.

Nichols’s bond for the harassment charge was set at $3,000, while bond information for the deadly conduct charge remains unavailable. Details about the circumstances of these new charges have not yet been disclosed, and local authorities have not provided further comment.

Nichols originally made headlines after his conviction related to the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Despite the serious nature of his offenses, Trump granted him a pardon in January 2025, continuing a disturbing trend of the former president using his pardon power to shield January 6 rioters and other loyalists from legal consequences.

Earlier this year, Nichols publicly expressed intentions to rebuild his life post-pardon, emphasizing faith and family on social media. However, his swift return to criminal conduct raises urgent questions about the wisdom and consequences of pardoning individuals involved in violent and unlawful acts.

This case is part of a broader pattern where Trump’s pardon power has been wielded to reward loyalty over law, undermining justice and accountability. As Nichols faces new charges, the danger of enabling violent behavior through unchecked pardons becomes painfully clear.

We will continue to monitor developments and hold those who abuse power accountable.