US ex-president urges Biden to release Capitol rioters

US ex-President Donald Trump brought up the rioters who attacked the Capitol on January 6 who remain in prison, many who pled guilty or were convicted by a jury and sentenced to serve time behind bars.

Trump called them "hostages" and called on Biden to release them from federal prison, NBC News reports.

"They ought to release the J6 hostages. They’ve suffered. I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners. I call them hostages. Release the J6 hostages Joe. Release them Joe. You can do it real easy, Joe," Trump said, using the abbreviation for January 6.

Trump has suggested that if returned to the White House he would pardon those who have been charged in connection with the riot.