Donald Trump has pardoned a runner who briefly took a closed trail en route to a record time on the highest peak in the Teton Range in western Wyoming.
The pardon of Michelino Sunseri, in contrast to recent for Trump allies, looked apolitical.
“Michelino is, of course, happy, but no one expects a pardon,” Sunseri's lawyer, Michael Poon, said. said outside. “He should not have gone through this ordeal to begin with. This is not a case that should ever have gone to trial.”
Poon said the Pacific Legal Foundation lobbied the White House on behalf of Sunseri but did not meet with Trump directly.
Sunseri ran up and down Grand Tetonthe central 13,775-foot Teton Range in two hours, 50 minutes, 50 seconds in 2024. It was an epic feat: The 33-year-old ran 13.3 miles, gaining 7,000 feet of elevation before descending again in Grand Teton National Park.
But on the way down, Sunseri turned back to avoid tourists. Leaving the trail in the national park is generally prohibited as it may cause erosion to sensitive environments.
Sunseri, who openly admitted committing the two-minute detour, was convicted of the offense by a judge in September. Fastest Known Time, which controls trail running records, also took away his time due to the short route.
Since his conviction, Sunseri has received widespread online support and has appeared on various podcasts telling his story. The hashtag “Free Michelino” has also become popular among trail runners on social media.
“This case has been discussed in the media,” Poon said. “I suspect that this caught the attention of the officials in charge of the clemency process.”
Before the pardon, Sunseri's lawyers said, prosecutors agreed to seek dismissal if Sunseri performed 60 hours of community service and took a course in wildlife conservation. He initially faced a $5,000 fine and a lifetime ban from Grand Teton National Park.
