Who is Antony Vo? January 6 rioter illegally enters Canada as he awaits Donald Trump to…

Who is Antony Vo? A Jan 6 rioter, who was awarded a nine-month prison sentence last year for his involvement in the 2021 Capitol riot, entered Canada illegally.

Updated on: Jan 7, 2025, 17:01:59 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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A January 6 rioter, who was awarded a nine-month prison sentence last year for his involvement in the 2021 Capitol riot, entered Canada illegally as he looks forward to a presidential pardon by President-elect Donald Trump.

In a social media post, Antony Vo admitted to “storming” Congress with his mother.

Rather than going to jail in June, Vo told the Toronto Star that he attempted to obtain political asylum in a number of nations, including Russia, Belarus, and Vietnam.

Antony Vo awaits presidential pardon from Trump

Following his failed attempts, he chose to enter Canada illegally in July, then file for asylum and seek sanctuary at a Buddhist research facility in Alberta. Vo, an Indiana native, found temporary shelter in Whistler, where he is enjoying snowboarding.

He further asserted that he is “99 percent sure” that Trump will pardon him after taking over the Oval office.

“I don't have any reason to doubt it,” Vo stated, adding that “it's definitely a priority for him.”

Trump has previously indicated that he is “inclined to pardon many of the January 6 rioters,” but not all of them.

“I can’t say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control,” he said in an interview to CNN.

Also Read: Donald Trump set to pardon 1,5000 convicted in Jan 6 Capitol riots: Report

Will Antony Vo return to the US?

Vo wants to go back to the US if Trump gives him pardon. He, however, said that he will fight if the US attempts to extradite him before then.

“Canada has mechanisms that prevent removal of people without some kind of process where the person says, 'I'm facing mistreatment in my home country, I'm a political dissident, and I'm being subject to unlawful price persecution,'” he commented.

Justifying his stand, Vo said he entered the Capitol along with his mother only after the police permission.

“President (Trump) asked me to be here tomorrow so I am with my mom LOL,” he wrote on X.

Vo is among more than 1,500 people around the United States who have been charged with federal offenses connected to the violent riot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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