Dan Wilson, once lost in the aftermath of January 6th, is now a testament to the power of perseverance and a presidential pardon. His story, initially fading from public view, has been resurrected by a remarkable fight for justice, culminating in his release from federal prison.
Wilson’s ordeal didn’t end with the stroke of President Trump’s pen. Released on January 21st, 2025, following the pardon of over 1600 individuals involved in the January 6th events, he was shockingly ordered back to prison just two days later. A bureaucratic maneuver by the judiciary’s probation services attempted to invalidate the presidential decree.
The Department of Justice further complicated matters. An Assistant U.S. Attorney initially argued the pardon didn’t extend to charges stemming from a search of Wilson’s home – a raid connected to the January 6th investigation. Though this interpretation was later corrected at the direction of the Attorney General, the damage was done.
Judge Friedrich, a Trump appointee with a clear bias against the January 6th defendants, seized upon the initial DOJ misinterpretation. Her order sent Wilson back to FCI Beckley in West Virginia on April 2nd, 2025, a move that stunned even prison staff who had previously been instructed to release him under the pardon.
The Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jennifer Blackwell, had previously confirmed in writing that the pardon explicitly covered the firearms charges resulting from the FBI raid on Wilson’s property. This confirmation, and the successful dismissal of cases for other defendants like Elias Costianes and Guy Reffitt under the same pardon, should have secured Wilson’s freedom.
Despite this, Wilson remained imprisoned, a victim of legal obstruction and apparent personal animus. Months of relentless advocacy followed, fueled by those who refused to let his case be forgotten. Finally, those efforts bore fruit, and Dan Wilson is now a free man.
Treniss Evans, a fellow January 6th defendant and tireless advocate, played a crucial role in bringing Wilson’s story to light, working alongside attorney Peter Ticktin. Their dedication, alongside the efforts of numerous others, proved instrumental in securing this victory.
Wilson’s release serves as a stark reminder that even a presidential pardon isn’t always enough to overcome systemic resistance. His case underscores the importance of continued vigilance and the fight for justice for those still wrongly imprisoned in connection with January 6th.
The fight isn’t over. Three other individuals remain incarcerated, their freedom unjustly delayed. The individuals responsible for their continued detention deserve scrutiny and accountability.
Dan Wilson’s journey from forgotten detainee to pardoned citizen is a powerful story of resilience, a testament to the dedication of those who championed his cause, and a beacon of hope for others still seeking justice.
