Volunteers bring home freed Jan. 6 prisoners with love and compassion

By willowt // 2025-02-20

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Volunteer groups, led by philanthropist Gary Heavin, quickly responded to assist hundreds of individuals pardoned and released from prison following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach.
Heavin's initiative ensured that released prisoners were not only freed but also welcomed with basic necessities, including food, shelter and a means to reconnect with their families.
The release process was marked by heartwarming reunions, such as a young girl reuniting with her father after two years, and prisoners being greeted with essential items and emotional support.
While the immediate joy of freedom was evident, volunteers recognized the significant challenges these individuals face, including rebuilding their lives and regaining trust within their communities.
The pardons and releases have reignited discussions about the fairness of the U.S. justice system and calls for prison reform, despite opposition from Capitol Police and lawmakers concerned about the rule of law.

In a powerful display of community support and unwavering belief in justice, volunteer groups mobilized swiftly to assist the hundreds of individuals pardoned and released from prison following their involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed on his first day back in office, set the stage for a massive relief effort that spanned 35 states and 75 prisons. Operation Airlift, spearheaded by Texas philanthropist Gary Heavin, ensured that these former prisoners were not just freed but were welcomed back into the arms of their families with dignity and support.

The immediate response: Operation Airlift

Gary Heavin, known for his philanthropic efforts and co-founding the Curves fitness franchise, was at the forefront of the relief effort. He and his wife, Diane, alongside a network of volunteers, sprang into action to meet the prisoners at the gates of their respective prisons, ensuring they had the basic necessities to start anew. “Everyone was scrambling to make sure there were people at the gates of these prisons to welcome the former prisoners and help them with basic needs,” Heavin told the Epoch Times. “They were warm and fed, with a hotel to go to, and a phone to reconnect to their families.” The effort was not just about logistics; it was about showing compassion and empathy to individuals who had faced severe consequences for their actions, many of which were deemed by supporters to be disproportionately harsh.

Powerful moments of reunion

The Heavins, parents of four and grandparents of eight, were deeply moved by the emotional reunions they witnessed. Diane Heavin shared a particularly touching moment: “I saw a little girl who’s maybe 4 years old, hasn’t seen her father in two years, running, yelling, ‘Daddy, Daddy!’ It was heart-wrenching.” One of the most poignant stories involved Glenn Allen Brooks, a 64-year-old man who was among the first to be picked up and flown home. Brooks, who had been involved in the Capitol breach as a latecomer, was arrested, tried and sentenced to six months in prison. On the day of his release, he was greeted by Nicky and Tim Long, volunteers from the Patriot Freedom Project, who presented him with a winter coat, clothes, food and an iPhone. “There was a lot of prayer, a lot of thankfulness, a lot of joy,” Brooks said. “I found them precious and dear people. We forged a lifelong friendship in just those few hours.”

The road ahead: Challenges and hope

While the immediate joy of freedom was palpable, the Heavins and other volunteers are acutely aware of the significant challenges these individuals face. Many have lost their homes, jobs and even family support during their time in prison. The Heavins emphasized the need for ongoing support to help these individuals rebuild their lives. Diane Heavin expressed her concerns: “My hopes are that they can move on and not let this event define who they are. My fear is that they will be tainted with unforgiveness, bitterness, or unresolved anger.” One of the freed prisoners, Joseph Robert Fisher, a retired Boston police officer, echoed these sentiments. Fisher, who was released after serving 20 months for his role in the breach, described the emotional toll of his incarceration and the disbelief he felt when he was pardoned. “It was a great feeling to have a hug and a kiss without having to wear the lime-green jumpsuit they make you wear during visitations,” Fisher said. “But the real challenge lies ahead. I have to rebuild my life and regain the trust of my community.”

A call for justice and reform

The release of these prisoners has reignited debates about the fairness of the U.S. justice system. Micki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police during the breach, has been a vocal advocate for prison reform and leniency for those involved in the events of January 6. “This justice system takes such victory in guilty pleas… Through this process, we’ve learned how unfair the Bureau of Prisons is to all Americans, not just Jan. Sixers,” Witthoeft said. “My daughter would be out here advocating for them if she were alive.” However, the pardons have also faced staunch opposition from Capitol Police officers and lawmakers who argue that they undermine the rule of law and the sacrifices made by law enforcement. Despite this, the volunteer efforts and the emotional reunions highlight a community determined to heal and move forward. As the freed individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the support from volunteers like the Heavins and the Longs serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of human kindness and perseverance. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com