Jason Riddle, who participated in the Capitol riots, has rejected the pardon from Donald Trump, asserting responsibility for his actions. He recounted having an epiphany while serving a 90-day sentence, realizing that his prior support for Trump was linked to his struggles with alcoholism and a lack of self-reflection. Riddle described the atmosphere at the Capitol as a ‘jubilant celebration’ that turned into fear upon witnessing violence, particularly when an unarmed veteran was shot by police. This experience led him to re-evaluate his beliefs and behaviors surrounding politics and alcohol.
I'm a recovering alcoholic. At the time, I was not recovering. I would combine alcohol with my politics and I'd put it online too. I spent a lot of time on social media in the comments section arguing with strangers about nothing... Instead of trying to figure out what was causing these problems, looking at myself, I blamed other people and politics.
Finding out that air force veteran Ashli Babbitt had been fatally shot by a Capitol police officer was the moment it all changed for Riddle, himself a former member of the armed forces.
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