In case you missed it, President Trump issued “full, complete and unconditional” pardons for almost 1,500 individuals involved in the 2021 January 6 riots at the US Capitol last week.
Trump also referred to the convicted rioters as “hostages”.
“This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and begins a process of national reconciliation,” The Presidential Action reads.
While signing the pardons into law, Trump mentioned that he “hope[s] they come out tonight, frankly,”
Trump’s actions have been criticized by the largest police union in the US — the same union that endorsed Trump’s 2024 campaign — and have stated that this sends “a dangerous message”, in a press conference on January 21.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) stated that they are “deeply discouraged by the recent pardons and commutations granted by both the Biden and Trump administrations to individuals convicted of killing or assaulting law enforcement officers.”
“The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences.
“Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety – they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law.
“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,” they stated.
Despite Trump repeatedly stating that he planned on releasing the convicted rioters throughout his 2024 campaign, the FOP continued to endorse him.
In a September 2024 release, the FOP stated that they “carefully considered the positions of the candidates on the issues and there was no doubt — zero doubt — as to who they want as our President for the next four years: Donald J. Trump”.
Another individual who has criticized Trump’s actions includes Pam Hemphill — better known in the social zeitgeist as ‘MAGA granny’ — who herself stormed the Capitol on January 6.
In an interview with The Guardian, Hemphill stated that the pardons are “an insult to the Capitol police officers and to the rule of law and to the nation”.
“It contributes to the propaganda that it was a peaceful protest, that the [Department of Justice] is weaponized against them and against Trump.
Hemphill became interested in politics following her retirement in 2011, which eventually led her into coming into contact with far-right group the Proud Boys.
She attended the 2021 January 6 riot alongside the neo-fascist militia group and was arrested, pleading guilty in January 2022 and was subsequently sentenced to 60 days in prison.
Following her release, in 2023 Hemphill stated she had a “change of heart” and referred to the MAGA crowd as a “cult”, leading to fellow rioters to denounce her.
“This MAGA cult and these [January 6] criminals and all their family are very upset that I am bringing the facts when they say something,” Hemphill stated.
“It’s just like working with an alcoholic — when you’re in denial, you get real [sic] upset.”
Hemphill has stated that she told the Idaho Statesman that she plans on filing a letter of rejection in response to Trump’s pardon.
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