Relief and Joy as Volunteers Assist Freed January 6 Prisoners in Returning Home

In a moment that changed many lives, individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol protest were set free with the stroke of a presidential pen. Many found themselves uncertain about how to return home.

Following President Donald Trump’s pardons and commutations on January 20, an estimated 300 individuals were released from over 75 prisons across 35 states, as per Gary Heavin, a Texas philanthropist who organized efforts to assist each released prisoner in their journey home.

“There was a rush to ensure that someone was at the gates of these facilities to greet the individuals who were released, helping them navigate their immediate needs,” Heavin recounted to The Epoch Times.

Volunteers made certain that the ex-prisoners were “warm and fed, provided with hotels for accommodation, and given phones to reconnect with their families.” Transportation was part of the mix too, including commercial flights and private jet trips, one of which was piloted by Heavin himself.

As they gathered, both volunteers and those they assisted shared their emotions with The Epoch Times, expressing the relief that accompanied freedom while also lamenting the treatment these individuals received within the U.S. justice system, and the ongoing struggles they faced.

“While there were certainly individuals who acted poorly on January 6, their actions—such as breaking glass or tipping furniture—do not justify years of imprisonment,” Heavin stated. “If we genuinely care about justice, then we must also show concern for these individuals.”

After Trump’s election victory on November 5, various volunteer groups began strategizing on how to facilitate pardons and commutations, Heavin noted. Trump had campaigned with promises to liberate what he termed the January 6 “political prisoners.” However, the timing and certainty of such an order remained ambiguous until it was delivered.

In an expedited move following his inauguration, Trump commuted 14 lengthy sentences and pardoned an additional 1,569 individuals.

With the sign of the pen, volunteers sprang to action. Heavin, along with fellow Texas pilot Joe Heartsill, undertook Operation Airlift, spending two and a half days from January 21-23 flying approximately 20 of the newly freed individuals home, covering about 8,000 miles in total.

Sharing Stories in Flight

As her husband piloted the aircraft, Diane Heavin engaged with the passengers.

The Heavins found themselves in tears listening to the released prisoners share their experiences and watching as they were joyfully reunited with their families.

“I’ve never cried so much in my life,” Gary Heavin recalled, despite having witnessed suffering in various disaster response situations over the years.

Having achieved considerable business success with Curves, a women’s fitness center chain they founded, the Heavins have focused much of their time on philanthropic endeavors since selling the franchise in 2012. Curves expanded to 9,300 locations in 38 countries at its peak.

“Each mission presents new adventures,” the Heavins expressed, feeling a strong urge to give back due to their blessings.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Gary Heavin remarked. “The joy of rescuing people brings a reward greater than the efforts put in.”

Powerful Moments

As parents to four and grandparents to five, the Heavins were deeply touched witnessing the emotional reunions of children with their released parents.

Gary Heavin, describing himself as “a rugged man who flies planes,” was moved to tears watching “a little girl of about four years old, who hadn’t seen her father in two years, run toward him, calling out, ‘Daddy, Daddy!’”

They also observed spouses burying their heads in their partner’s chests, sobbing openly.

Diane Heavin was particularly affected when one prisoner exhibited signs of what appeared to be PTSD, suddenly expressing distrust toward her: “Wait a minute; you seem to know too much. You could be from the government.”

It took her several minutes to reassure him that she meant no harm. His poignant words struck her: “I didn’t think there were any good people left.” She responded, “There are still many good people.”

When asked about the future of these former prisoners, Diane Heavin expressed her hopes that they could move past this experience without allowing it to define who they are. However, she voiced concern that they might carry unresolved feelings of hate, resentment, or anger.

More Difficulties Loom

Diane Heavin noted that many of those released experienced significant upheaval in their lives. One man confided, “He felt a profound emptiness, unsure how to begin rebuilding his life,” she shared.

While many of the released prisoners seek employment, they face daunting hurdles created by their incarceration. For instance, one man lamented, “If I manage to find a job but lack a vehicle, how will I get there? … My credit was destroyed during my two years in prison, which means I can’t buy a car.”

Family support is another issue; some have lost their marriages and remain estranged from loved ones due to the politically charged climate surrounding their cases. Moreover, as Diane Heavin pointed out, some Jan. 6 defendants “have no home to return to.”

“It truly breaks my heart that these individuals who were merely standing up for their First Amendment rights could endure such harsh punishment, and worse, lose everything they had,” she lamented.

Had it not been for the volunteers assisting the released prisoners, one correctional officer indicated to Shelley Freeman that they would simply be released to a bus station, she relayed to The Epoch Times. Freeman personally covered the expenses for Pete Schwartz’s accommodation, meals, essential items, and a cellphone.

Like many other Jan. 6 detainees, Schwartz had been incarcerated far from his family, complicating visitation. He found freedom near Freeman’s home in California, over 2,000 miles from his parents in Kentucky.

He made the journey back to them thanks to an airline ticket purchased by American Patriot Relief, Freeman stated.

Nonviolent Man Grateful for Help

The initial recipient of the Heavins’ rescue efforts was Glenn Allen Brooks, 64, whom they flew from Georgia to Virginia to reunite with his sister.

Present during the January 6 events, Brooks entered the Capitol post-incident, capturing photographs to share with his church’s prayer group. Unknown to him, one of his peers from that group later reported him to the FBI after bounties for tips were announced.

Consequently, Brooks faced two interrogations by authorities. Later, in July 2021, a SWAT team performed a surprise raid on his residence while he was engaged in reading the Bible. After a lengthy legal process, he was convicted of charges related to disorderly conduct and trespassing, beginning a six-month jail term in September 2024.

On Inauguration Day, word of freedom spread through Brooks’ prison, yet he remained skeptical until moment he walked through the blue exit door, leading into the world beyond.

Welcoming him were two “ambassadors” from the Patriot Freedom Project, Nicky and Tim Long, carrying a hand-drawn sign that read: “Patriot Glenn Brooks, are you ready to go home?”

They presented Brooks with a winter coat, four suitcases filled with clothing, food, and an iPhone, making him feel truly embraced. They took him to a hotel organized by the group, and soon, the Heavins picked him up at the Savannah airport in their private jet.

Friendship Forged

“We shared a lot of prayers, feelings of gratitude, and joy,” Brooks reflected. During their brief time together, he felt a strong bond forming with the Heavins—one he believes will last a lifetime.

The Heavins and Brooks discovered a shared passion for participating in Christian mission trips aimed at assisting low-income individuals in Haiti, in addition to Brooks’ interest in aviation.

“I found them to be remarkable, kindhearted individuals,” he stated.

Yet Brooks is grappling with disorientation as he attempts to carve out a new path in his life post-January 6.

He relocated to Florida after leaving California, where he had lived for many years, his marriage ended, and some of his seven children from a previously blended family have distanced themselves from him.

“I vanished,” Brooks stated. “As a participant in the January 6 events, I now carry an identity I never intended to assume.”

Pair of Police Officers Reunite

Another individual who was part of Operation Airlift, retired Boston police officer Joseph Robert Fisher, 54, expressed his anxiety over potentially being overlooked for a pardon. Trump had indicated a reluctance to pardon violent offenders, although Fisher described his actions as being “on the verge of violence” without any harm directed toward officers.

During the January 6 events, Fisher found himself caught in the midst of a crowd entering the Capitol; at one point, he pushed a chair across the floor, interjecting in a foot pursuit involving an officer and a protester. However, Fisher asserts that the chair never made contact with the officer, contrary to the Justice Department’s assertion that he “rammed” it into the officer.

As a lifelong law enforcement officer, Fisher was staggered by the escalation of events. “It was devastating … it felt like my world had collapsed,” Fisher reflected. “I never intended to enter into conflict with law enforcement.”

After enduring a lengthy legal battle, Fisher perceived the odds against January 6 defendants. Reluctantly, he accepted a plea deal, receiving a 20-month prison sentence in May 2024. However, he was granted a shortened sentence after Trump issued a pardon, facilitating his return to the embrace of Debra, his wife of 26 years, who is still serving in the Boston Police Department.

“It was an incredible feeling to enjoy a hug and kiss without the lime-green jumpsuit worn during visitations,” Fisher remarked.

The Heavins facilitated Fisher’s transportation from a Pennsylvania prison back to Massachusetts in less than an hour, saving his wife a 13-hour round trip.

“They couldn’t have been more accommodating. They were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Fisher shared appreciatively of the Heavins. “The grace and kindness from everyone who helped us was beyond words.”