Pardoned Sept 4, 2026 — Tate has been free for --- days
September 4, 2026

Tate is free.

President Donald J. Trump granted Patrick "Tate" Adamiak a full and unconditional pardon. After 1,414 days behind bars for owning non-functional military relics, the U.S. Navy veteran walked out of Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, Virginia, and his convictions were wiped away.

“The feeling of freedom is surreal. After four years on the inside, I’ve been free for less than an hour, and I’m still in shock.”

— Patrick "Tate" Adamiak, September 4, 2026
Read the Pardon What's Happened Since
1,414 Days wrongfully imprisoned
20 Year sentence, now erased
16 Years he no longer has to serve
0 Functional weapons ever found
The Document

Executive Grant of Clemency

Below is the text of the pardon signed by the President, transcribed from the original document. The grant covers every offense in United States v. Adamiak, case number 2:22-CR-47, and it is full and unconditional.

Executive Grant of Clemency

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States of America

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:

Be it known, that this day, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, have granted unto the individual named below

A Full and Unconditional Pardon

For those offenses against the United States individually enumerated and set before me for my consideration:

United States v. Adamiak, 2:22-CR-47

Patrick Tate Adamiak

I hereby designate, direct, and empower the Pardon Attorney, as my representative, to administer and sign this grant of clemency to the person named herein. The Pardon Attorney shall declare that his action is the act of the President, being performed at my direction.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and caused the seal of the Department of Justice to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington in the District of Columbia this day of September in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-six and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Fifty-first.

Donald J. Trump President
Scan of the signed Executive Grant of Clemency for Patrick Tate Adamiak
The signed document, bearing President Trump's signature. Click to view full size.
Since the Pardon

The First Weeks of Freedom

Tate walked out on a Friday afternoon in September. Here is what has happened since.

September 4 — The White House Weighs In

A White House spokesperson said the administration "stands for the Second Amendment and will not deny honorable veterans like Mr. Adamiak his constitutional rights," describing the case as a "weaponization of government" and the trial as "riddled with errors."

September 17 — "I Am Home"

Tate posted his first public statement as a free man: "After four and a half years and the biggest fight of my life, I am home." He thanked his attorneys at Fudd Busters and Welch Wright Law, journalist Lee Williams, and Reps. Eli Crane, Eric Burlison, Jen Kiggans, Rob Bresnahan, Daniel Webster and Paul Gosar.

September 18 — His First Interview

In a wide-ranging interview with News2A, Tate said what sustained him was "my belief that the truth would eventually come out." He also said he has "completely lost faith in the justice system," and that his legal defense cost his family more than $100,000.

September 25–27 — On Stage in Dallas

Tate appeared as a speaker and honored guest at the Second Amendment Foundation's Gun Rights Policy Conference in Dallas, where Lee Williams interviewed him in front of the movement that spent four years demanding his release. He is also scheduled to be interviewed at AMM-Con.

What Comes Next

The Pardon Closed the Case. It Didn't Settle It.

A pardon erases the convictions. It does not return the four years, the career, or the collection — and it does not hold anyone responsible for how the case was built.

Back to the Navy

Tate, a former active-duty E-6 Master-at-Arms who had been accepted to BUD/S, has been in contact with recruiters about reinstatement. He was discharged with full honors despite the prosecution's efforts to the contrary.

Accountability at ATF and DOJ

With his felony convictions gone, Tate can fight as a free man. He has called for reform at the DOJ and ATF, clearer firearms rules, and consequences for the agents and prosecutors who built the case against him.

Property Still Held

The ATF still holds property seized from Tate's home, including a collection of antique currency he says was reimbursed at a fraction of its value. Recovering what was taken is unfinished business.

Rebuilding From Zero

Four years of income lost, six figures in legal bills, and a home and collection gone. Support still goes directly toward putting Tate's life back together.

Watch

The News Breaks

Mrgunsngear Channel

Breaking: US Navy Sailor Wrongfully Convicted Pardoned By President Trump!

Washington Gun Law

The Best News You'll Hear All Week, Tate Adamiak Has Been Pardoned

Read

From The Gun Writer

The Gun Writer
September 4th 2026 · Lee Williams

BREAKING: Tate Adamiak Pardoned

Lee Williams, who published more than 60 investigative stories on Tate's case for the Second Amendment Foundation's Investigative Journalism Project, reports on the pardon, Tate's first words as a free man, and what comes next.

Read the full story →

“Tate Adamiak endured every gun owner’s worst nightmare for more than four years. We are grateful he has finally received the pardon he deserves.”

— Adam Kraut, Executive Director, Second Amendment Foundation

“We are thrilled that he is free. He did nothing wrong and broke no law.”

— Alan M. Gottlieb, founder, Second Amendment Foundation

“I am very excited for Tate and couldn’t be prouder to have played a small role in his getting home where he deserves to be.”

— Calum Welch, defense attorney
All Media Coverage
Patrick 'Tate' Adamiak in his U.S. Navy uniform Petty Officer Patrick "Tate" Adamiak, U.S. Navy

This happened because of you.

To everyone who signed the petition, wrote to the White House, donated to Tate's defense, shared his story, and refused to look away: thank you. A Navy veteran is home because ordinary people would not let an injustice stand.

Tate has said the fight is not over. He intends to keep challenging the government's conduct in his case and, if possible, return to the Navy. Your support still matters.

Support Tate Read the Full Case
Tate is home — and still rebuilding.
Donate Read the Pardon