Republican Representative Don Bacon expressed his disagreement with President Donald Trump's recent decision to pardon individuals accused of violent acts during the Capitol riot on January 6. Bacon specifically mentioned his opposition to pardoning those who assaulted police officers during the incident.
Trump's proclamation, signed on Monday, granted pardons to approximately 1,270 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 attack. The proclamation also instructed the Justice Department to dismiss around 300 pending cases and ordered the release of a select group of 14 defendants facing serious sedition charges.
Bacon emphasized that he believes the pardons should have been more targeted, suggesting that leniency could be considered for individuals who did not engage in violence or vandalism while inside the Capitol.
When questioned about the impact of these pardons on Capitol police officers, Bacon reiterated his support for law enforcement. He highlighted instances where officers were subjected to violence, such as rocks and metal objects being thrown at them, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Overall, Bacon's stance reflects a nuanced perspective on the issue of pardoning individuals involved in the Capitol riot, balancing considerations of mercy with accountability for violent actions committed during the events of January 6.
