Pardoned January 6 Influencer Isabella Maria DeLuca: ‘I Have No Regrets’

Isabella Maria DeLuca, 24, is a social media influencer hailing from Setauket, NY, who was present at the Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021.

Having attended President Trump’s rally, she followed the crowd into the Capitol that day. She claims she was in the building for merely two minutes before deciding to leave, feeling uneasy.

However, those two minutes turned out to have significant repercussions. Three years later, in March 2024, she was arrested on federal misdemeanor charges, which included theft of government property, disorderly conduct, and unauthorized entry into a restricted area.

With a notable social media presence, DeLuca was accused of participating in the Capitol riot and allegedly assisting in passing a stolen table out a broken window during the chaos, according to court documents.

This table, reportedly taken from a Senate terrace room, was later claimed to have been used to assault law enforcement officers, according to federal allegations. Along with over 1,500 Capitol rioters, DeLuca received a pardon from President Trump last week.

In an interview with The Post’s Dana Kennedy, she expressed her gratitude, though she still carries the emotional scars.

“It’s hard to believe, but at just 5’1″ and weighing 122 pounds, the FBI sent seven armed agents to arrest me, shackling and handcuffing me,” she said.

“I had no previous criminal record, yet there are actual criminals who don’t face such force. That day was one of the worst of my life. Although I suspected I could be arrested, the reality hit me like a shock.”

“I was only 21 when I went to the Capitol. I simply intended to meet friends at the Trump rally, with no plans beyond that. We had no idea how the day would evolve.”

“For merely two minutes, I was in an empty meeting room in the Capitol. It began to seem like things were turning chaotic, prompting us to leave hastily. I believe there were outside agitators present.”

“When the rioters started taking furniture, I merely touched the table that the government later claimed I handed out the window. I didn’t pass it to anyone; I just made contact with it. Their evidence only shows me touching that table—nothing more.”

“I figured the police must have known I was there since I shared a video on social media of myself outside the Capitol, which was up for several days. I have a feeling one of my followers reported me to the FBI.”

“In the back of my mind, I always had a feeling I could be arrested, even after all that time. Strangely, I lived in DC all that while and wasn’t arrested there.”

“In March, I traveled to Orange County, California, for a pro-life event and was staying with a friend in Irvine. It felt strange because I had just flown in the day prior. While heading downstairs for coffee the next morning, I was approached by FBI agents who said, ‘We have a warrant for your arrest.’”

“It was quite unsettling… I couldn’t comprehend how they knew I was there. I didn’t post anything about going to California.”

“Initially, I was frightened but tried to maintain my composure. One of the agents remarked, ‘You don’t seem nervous at all?’ which I found to be an odd comment.”

“I was placed in a jail cell in Orange County, shackled and handcuffed when brought in front of the judge. There was a moment inside the cell where I broke down when they re-shackled and handcuffed me. Fortunately, due to my clean criminal record, I was permitted to go that day under the condition that I would hand over my passport and provide advance notice before traveling domestically. One other stipulation was that I was prohibited from visiting the Capitol.”

“It seemed illogical; the FBI had been aware of me since the events of January 6th. I had worked two congressional internships and had unrestricted access to the Capitol.”

“Upon returning home, I discovered the FBI had raided my apartment. My space was a mess, with drawers pulled open and clothes, books, and art scattered across the floor. They left documents on my kitchen counter listing the items they had confiscated—two other phones and several personal belongings.”

“It was such a humiliating experience; I felt completely violated.”

“The anxiety was overwhelming—wondering when they might return. I struggled to sleep for weeks following my arrest, terrified they’d enter while I was asleep. It became incredibly difficult to lead a normal life with this situation looming over me.”

“When your own government considers you a thief, it damages your reputation. Convincing others that I’m not that person is a constant struggle.”

“On November 6, the day prior to the election, the FBI approached me with a plea deal. They wanted me to plead guilty to theft of government property and pay a $100,000 fine. It made me feel nauseous, especially so close to the election when the outcome was uncertain. My attorney knew to ask for additional time.”

“It was a challenging situation. I had two choices: either admit to something I didn’t do or face a trial in the District of Columbia, where 94% of the population supported Kamala and would likely be my jury.”

“I had a trial date scheduled for May 25, 2025. If Trump hadn’t won, I could have been facing that jury.”

“Having just turned 24, I was attempting to establish my life. This was a significant setback.”

“When I found out President Trump had pardoned us, tears of joy flowed. I was out dining with friends and felt a sense of vindication.”

“Currently, I’m without a job. I was employed at the Gold Institute for International Strategy, but they let me go after my arrest. While I do monetize my social media, I hope to land another legitimate job.”

“What I experienced remains a dark shadow over me. There’s no way to escape it. Yet, I am determined to rebuild my life. I fear I could have ended up in jail had Kamala won, so I’m incredibly relieved that she didn’t.”

“I’m optimistic that everything will eventually fall into place.”

“And you know what? I don’t regret my choices.”