Pardoned Missouri Man Reflects on Regret After Capitol Incident

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Jerod Bargar, a Centralia man pardoned by President Donald Trump, expressed deep regret for his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot during an interview with KY3. Bargar, who pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm into a restricted area, said he has faced pain and suffering over the past four years.

In January 2021, Bargar brought a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol to Washington, D.C., for Trump’s rally. He recounted his experience, stating that he lost the gun amidst the chaos as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at the crowd.

“I just regret, I wish I’d have just left it in the truck,” Bargar told KY3 Anchor Paul Adler. “It would have been a lot less pain and suffering these last four years.”

Bargar was sentenced to six months of home confinement, five years of probation, and ordered to pay a fine following his guilty plea. He is among approximately 180 individuals charged with using or carrying a dangerous weapon during the Capitol unrest, part of a larger group of 1,583 federally charged for crimes associated with the event.

The Department of Justice reported more than 600 individuals have faced charges related to assaulting law enforcement officers during the incident—felony offenses that have significant legal ramifications.

During the interview, Bargar elaborated on his journey to the Capitol, the reasons he felt compelled to attend, and what transpired on that day. A complete interview will be available for streaming on the KY3 app on February 13 at 5:30 p.m.