The shocking discrepancy in punishments handed out by the American justice system has once again come to light, raising questions about fairness, privilege, and the influence of power. In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump endorsed the notion that a 69-year-old grandmother with cancer was given a harsher sentence for her involvement in the Capitol breach than Hunter Biden, who was allegedly involved in sharing classified documents with foreign regimes and engaging in multi-million dollar bribery schemes.
However, the 70-year-old grandma, Pamela Hemphill, swiftly responded to Trump’s comment, vehemently denying that she was being used as a victim or a pawn in any political game. She acknowledged her guilt and pleaded guilty to her involvement in the events of January 6th, stating that Hunter Biden did not attempt to attack the Capitol like she did.
Hemphill, who was battling breast cancer at the time, found herself caught up in what she now refers to as the “Trump cult.” She attended the January 6th rally in Washington, D.C., after her brother gifted her a plane ticket in an attempt to lift her spirits amidst her health struggles. Unbeknownst to her, this decision would have profound consequences.
“AMERICAN JUSTICE: 69-year-old Grandma with Cancer given more prison time for walking inside US Capitol than Hunter Biden for sharing classified documents with foreign regimes and multi-million dollar bribery schemes.”
Trump endorsed the lies with a one word comment.
“HORRIBLE.”
But then that same grandma with cancer, who is actually 70, came right at him.
“Please @realDonaldTrump don’t be using me for anything, I’m not a victim of Jan 6, I pleaded guilty because I was guilty! #StopTheSpin,” Pamela Hemphill of Idaho wrote on the platform.
She added that Trump should not compare her to the current president’s son.
“He didn’t try to attack the Capitol!” she tweeted.
Before the rally, Hemphill took to social media, urging others to join the fight for America and attend the event. Little did she know that her words would be used against her later. She also posted a photo holding a plastic rifle, meant as a lighthearted joke, but it would later be used as evidence against her.
On the day of the Capitol breach, Hemphill found herself inside the building, a combination of excitement and pain medication clouding her judgment. She was caught on video encouraging the crowd to enter, claiming it was their house. But she later regretted her actions and realized the gravity of her involvement.
Returning home to Boise, Hemphill was later arrested by FBI agents, who treated her with professionalism and respect. She experienced fear and nervousness, having never been in jail before, but the agents gave her a moment to collect herself. Eventually, she pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 60 days in prison.
During her time behind bars, Hemphill’s perspective began to shift. Surrounded by fellow inmates, many of whom were “cartel women,” she started to question her beliefs and had doubts about the stolen election claims. She realized that she had been trapped in the Trump cult and started to see the narcissistic behavior and gaslighting that she had previously overlooked.
