Antony Vo, a 32-year-old man convicted for his role in the 2021 US Capitol riot, has fled to Canada and is seeking political asylum, hoping for a pardon from former President Donald Trump. Vo was sentenced to nine months in prison and was ordered to report to a federal prison on June 14, 2024.
However, he crossed into Canada before serving his sentence, citing the country’s reputation for offering refuge to individuals fleeing persecution. In his asylum claim, Vo describes the Capitol riot as a peaceful protest that was “subverted” and claims he was persecuted for his political beliefs during his trial.
Vo, who was convicted of entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct, insists that he saw no violence during the riot. He faces the possibility of imprisonment under what he describes as “inhumane conditions” if sent back to the US. He also believes that Trump, if re-elected, could pardon him and others involved in the January 6 assault.
The man, who has previously attempted to seek asylum in several other countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Russia, says that Canada has treated him well, and he plans to stay there until he feels safe enough to return to the US. Trump has long defended the Capitol rioters, calling them “patriots” and suggesting he would pardon many of them if he returns to the White House.
