OUR JOURNEY

On January 6, 2021, a defining moment in American history laid bare the profound fissures within the nation’s justice system, exposing deep-seated challenges to the principles of liberty and fairness. What began as a courageous stand for freedom and truth swiftly transformed into an arduous battle for justice, dignity, and the preservation of fundamental rights.

In the wake of this pivotal event, countless brave individuals and their families faced unimaginable hardships, enduring trials that tested their resilience and spirit. From this crucible of adversity, Stand in the Gap was born—a beacon of hope and solidarity, founded to walk hand-in-hand with those affected, offering unwavering support, compassionate advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to restoring their dignity and rebuilding their lives.

OUR MISSION

Restoring Lives Beyond the Pardon

With profound gratitude, we celebrate the historic actions of President Donald J. Trump, who, on the evening of his inauguration on January 20, 2025, extended pardons or commutations to every January 6th defendant, bringing an end to their 1,475-day ordeal and restoring their freedom. This momentous act of clemency marked a turning point for these patriots, whose lives were forever changed, offering them a renewed opportunity to reclaim their place in society.

At Stand in the Gap, our mission is deeply rooted in the conviction that legal forgiveness is only the beginning. We are committed to fostering emotional healing and providing comprehensive, practical support to ensure that each individual can rebuild their life with dignity, hope, and purpose, fully reintegrating into their communities with the strength to start anew.

Our Journey So Far

2021

On January 6, 2021, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded—one that would forever alter the lives of hundreds of patriots. As the sun rose in the months to follow, hundreds of January 6th defendants faced harrowing pre-dawn FBI raids on their homes, their families bearing witness to the jarring arrests that followed. Uprooted and relocated across the country, these individuals endured relentless transfers between facilities, prolonged solitary confinement, and the denial of fundamental human rights, constitutional protections, and the sacred liberties bestowed upon them, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and the nation’s conscience.

2022

In response to the mistreatment and prosecution of many who stood that day, The Real J6 was founded to give a voice to the voiceless. What began as a mission to expose injustice quickly revealed a deeper need: direct, compassionate support for defendants and their families navigating isolation, trauma, and a broken justice system.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated team behind Stand in the Gap—a group committed to walking alongside January 6th defendants and their families with compassion, purpose, and resilience.

Founder & Executive Director

Shane Jenkins

Shane brings firsthand experience and deep empathy to Stand in the Gap as a former January 6th defendant, passionately supporting others as they walk the same road he did.

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Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Sarah McAbee

Sarah lives and breathes this mission every day, passionately advocating for January 6th families with unmatched drive and heartfelt commitment.

Director of Marketing

Rory Brown

Rory leads all marketing efforts—including social media, website design, and brand strategy—using creativity and purpose to amplify our mission.

Our Board

Our board members are the backbone of Stand in the Gap—offering wisdom, accountability, and unwavering support to guide our mission forward. Their commitment ensures we stay grounded, strategic, and centered on the people we serve.

Emily Gray

Board Member

Christopher Caltagirone

Board Member

Christi Skiles

Board Member

OUR JOURNEY

OUR MISSION

Our Journey So Far

Our Team

Our Board

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