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In a surprising turn of events at CPAC 2025, several pardoned January 6 participants found themselves unexpectedly barred from the conference, despite having purchased tickets and, in some cases, booth space. The incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon when Jake Lang, a former political prisoner who had secured a booth and was live-streaming from the event, was asked to leave the premises.
The situation escalated later that evening when additional January 6 participants, including Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, encountered similar treatment. Rhodes, who had already checked into the Gaylord Hotel where CPAC was being held, was denied his credentials while waiting in line alongside several Proud Boys members, including Enrique Tarrio, Dominic Pezzola, and Ethan Nordean.
When these individuals inquired about the reason for their denial, they were simply told it was “because of legal” and were directed to submit their concerns through an email form on the CPAC website. Security personnel promptly escorted them from the premises.
Jake Lang has had his credentials revoked from @CPAC while he was walking up to claim the 22 tickets he bought for fellow J6ers.
Jake Lang was held for 1,467 days, more than 900 of them in solitaire confinement, with NO TRIAL. @mercedesschlapp and @mschlapp need to provide an… pic.twitter.com/t4GJpUrZd0
— CannCon (@CannConActual) February 19, 2025
The selection criteria for who was denied entry appeared arbitrary, affecting at least six former January 6 political prisoners from various backgrounds. The group included individuals who had received pardons, those with dropped charges, and members of both the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers organizations. Notably, other members of these same groups were granted entry to the conference.
Stewart Rhodes shared his experience: “I was just kicked out of CPAC. I was pulled out of line and told I had to leave. I was told my press credentials had also been revoked (they were granted days ago). I asked why and all the female staff lady would say is ‘legal’. I was escorted out by security from there.”
“All animals are equal … but some animals are more equal than others.”
— George Orwell, *Animal Farm*
🚨BREAKING: Matt Schlapp lied his ass off about reversing his decision to ban J6ers and letting J6ers back into CPAC.
Jake Lang and other J6ers just got kicked out of CPAC again.pic.twitter.com/v3ZLjbq7cC
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) February 20, 2025
Julie Kelly, an investigative journalist known for her extensive coverage of January 6, suggested on social media that some J6 members were planning to attend with intentions of causing disruptions and confronting guests, though no evidence has emerged to support these claims.
A parent of one of the Proud Boys members shared their perspective: “Security surrounded my son when he as at CPAC in line to get his ticket and escorted him out. They did the same to Enrique (Tarrio). They let Joe and Zach in. Ethan hasn’t tried entering yet. None of this made sense. There is talk of a CPAC boycott tomorrow.”
The incident has created a stark contrast to President Trump’s earlier actions, who had pardoned and commuted sentences of over 1,500 January 6 participants upon returning to office. Many of these individuals had been eagerly anticipating CPAC as an opportunity to reunite with fellow patriots and express gratitude to the president who had secured their freedom.
