On January 6, 2021, a number of individuals tried to overturn the results of the election, in a most violent fashion, assaulting the Capitol and attacking police officers. Deaths and destruction followed. Pardoning those who committed such crimes goes against our law enforcement, our electoral democracy, and the American people.
In Sareen Habeshian’s Axios’ article “Police Union That Endorsed Trump Blasts Jan. 6 Pardons,” writes, “President Trump’s near-total pardon of Jan. 6 rioters was denounced by the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest police union in the U.S., and the International Association of Chiefs of Police on Tuesday.”
After more than 1,500 attackers and extremist groups members who participated were pardoned, the unions responded, “When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence.”
Individual officers also gave their views on how upset their were with the pardons. The so-called “Q-Anon Shaman” said he was so happy with the pardons that he was getting
Most Americans are pretty disgusted with these pardons of those who attacked those who put their lives on the line to protect our U.S. Capitol and our elected representatives. “Nearly six in 10 Americans are opposed to President Trump pardoning Jan. 6, 2021, rioters convicted of crimes, according to a survey released on Tuesday,” writes Filip Timotija with The Hill. It may be hurting the president’s standing with the public; he is starting his term with a 47 percent approval rating, lower than the 49.7 percent share of the popular vote that he received in the 2024 election. He’s getting some bad advice from somewhere.
Even several GOP Senators expressed their disgust with pardoning the attackers.
“…I just can’t agree,” [said North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis]. “I’m about to file two bills that will increase the penalties up to and including the death penalty for the murder of a police officer, and increasing the penalties and creating federal crimes for assaulting a police officer. That should give you everything you need to know about my position…” according to Rachel Scott et.al. with ABC News.
Sen. Susan Collins “disagrees” with pardons for violent offenders who assaulted officers, broke windows, or performed other violent acts that day. “I made very clear to you that I think that there’s a difference between violent crimes and non-violent crimes. I do not support the pardons if they were given, if they were given to people who committed violent crimes, including assaulting police officers or breaking windows to get into the Capitol or other violent acts, pepper spray, for example,” Collins said, also from the ABC News story.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, also objected to his decision to give blanket pardons, according to CNN. Cassidy, who is up for reelection and facing a primary, told CNN: “I’m a big ‘back-the-blue’ guy. I think people who assault police officers — if they do the crime, they should do the time.” Murkowski said she’s concerned about the message the pardons send to the US Capitol Police officers who protect the lawmakers every day.
Supporters of the pardons point to the Biden pardons. If he’s done them inappropriately, investigate and sanction him. But that doesn’t justify these 1/6 pardons.
On January 6, 2021, we saw our police officers put their lives on the line to defend the Capitol. Let’s give them the support they deserve for protecting the community.