WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Two leaders of the far-right extremist groups the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were among those released from federal prison Tuesday after President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order Monday, commuting the sentences of six people and pardoning 1,500 others jailed for their roles in the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

William Sarsfield was released within hours of the pardon announcement. He had been awaiting sentencing at the D.C. jail. In November, he was convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6 riot.

“I think it’s pretty cool to be pardoned by a felon,” Sarsfield said. He added that, like many others that day, he got caught up in the crowd and believes he was unfairly targeted by the Justice Department.

Members of the Proud Boys and other groups supporting Trump camped outside the D.C. jail to celebrate the news and demand the release of more Jan. 6 defendants.

On Capitol Hill, Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) defended the pardons. He told reporters the convictions were “a total miscarriage of justice.”

Democrats, on the other hand, slammed Trump’s decision.

“The Jan. 6 pardons are an abomination,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

Sen. Chris Murphy, (D-Conn.) called the executive order a sad day in American history.

“We just saw the celebration and endorsement of political violence,” Murphy said.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he will file legislation to increase penalties, up to the death penalty, for the murder of a police officer.

Tillis also suggested that Congress evaluate ways to restrict all presidents’ pardon power. He said former President Joe Biden’s wave of pardons in his final weeks in office showed the power was being abused. Biden issued pardons for Democrats on the Jan. 6 committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of his family before leaving office.

More than 140 police officers were injured on Jan. 6. The family of Brian Sicknick, an officer who died from his injuries the next day, called the pardons a “grave national disgrace.”

Trump said he next plans to order his Justice Department to dismiss more than 400 pending Jan. 6 cases.