The decision by former President Donald Trump to pardon over 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 insurrection has provoked a strong response from law enforcement organizations and the public. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), a major police union that endorsed Trump during his campaign, criticized the pardons, stating they "send a dangerous message." The attack on the Capitol resulted in injuries to approximately 140 police officers and has been linked to nine deaths.
In the aftermath of the insurrection, many have voiced concerns over the implications of the pardons. Trump's decision to grant clemency was one of his first actions upon taking office. This move has faced widespread disapproval, with a poll conducted by NPR/PBS News/Marist indicating that roughly six out of ten Americans opposed the pardons. The poll further revealed significant disapproval across political lines, with 89% of Democrats, 62% of independents, and 30% of Republicans expressing dissatisfaction.
Senator Thom Tillis highlighted the potential risks associated with such a decision:
"You make this place less safe if you send the signal that police officers could potentially be assaulted and there is no consequence." – Senator Thom Tillis
Law enforcement bodies, including the FOP and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), have expressed deep disappointment with the pardons. They have consistently maintained that individuals convicted of crimes against law enforcement should serve their full sentences. Both organizations warned that blanket clemency for those involved in the riots, especially those convicted of violent offenses, threatens public safety.
The pardons have also drawn criticism from within Trump's own party. JD Vance, Trump's vice-president, stated on January 12 that those responsible for the Capitol violence "obviously" should not be pardoned. Similarly, Senator Lisa Murkowski voiced her concerns in a CNN interview:
"I don’t think that the approach of a blanket pardon that includes those who caused harm, physical harm, to our police officers, to others that resulted in violence, I’m disappointed to see that." – Senator Lisa Murkowski
A Reuters/Ipsos poll further corroborated public sentiment, with 58% of respondents believing Trump should not have pardoned those convicted for crimes on January 6. The pardons have sparked a debate over accountability and justice for law enforcement officers harmed during the riots.