President Donald Trump made headlines this past January when he quickly pardoned those accused of participating in the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill.

However, one person refused Trump's act of clemency, a move which recently won her praise from former Vice President Mike Pence. 

Pence: "I wanted to pass along my genuine respect"

According to The Hill, Pence sent a letter earlier this month to Pam Hemphill, a woman who in 2022 pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating, or picketing at the Capitol building.

The defendant was subsequently sentenced to 60 days behind bars, which she served, as well as three years of probation.

Hemphill posted a photograph of Pence's letter on social media, stating, "It's been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it!"

It’s been a long and hard journey, but this letter I received today has made every heartache, smear campaign and sleepless night more than worth it! pic.twitter.com/cr2SzyujkT

— Pam Hemphill (@PamHemphill79) June 25, 2025

In his correspondence, Pence told Hemphill that "[y]our honorable decision speaks volumes about your commitment to the Rule of Law and I wanted to pass along my genuine respect."

Former defendant says "Mike Pence put his life on the line"

"I am certain that your willingness to accept responsibility has inspired many Americans by your example of integrity and faith," he added.

The Hill reached out to a spokesman for the former vice president, who confirmed that the letter sent to Hemphill was genuine.

The website emphasized how Hemphill has publicly praised Pence for his conduct in January of 2021 as well as his opposition to President Trump, saying, "Mike Pence put his life on the line that day, as we know the rioters were calling for his death!"

Hemphill gained national attention in February over her refusal to accept Trump's pardon, something she discussed during an appearance on CNN.

Hemphill: "I broke the law. It's that easy"

"I'm not a victim of January 6, and the [Department of Justice] was not weaponized against me," she was quoted as telling CNN's "News Night."

"I was a volunteer. I broke the law. It's that easy," Hemphill told host Abby Phillip before adding, "I'm upset that Trump lied that the election was stolen. That's why I was there."

Hemphill went on to address the criticism that she has received from some in the conservative movement, stating, "What's happening is I'm destroying their narrative, and they don’t like it. Too bad."