The largest police union in the U.S. has condemned President Donald Trump for his sweeping pardons of those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Trump in the last three general elections, issued a joint statement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police denouncing the “dangerous message” that pardoning those convicted of assaulting officers sends.
Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Fraternal Order of Police for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Trump is continuing to face backlash for decisions made during the early days of his second term, including criticism from his supporters and the GOP. The backlash from police unions could undermine Trump’s longstanding claim to be a “law and order” president.
What to Know
On his first day back in office, Trump issued “full, complete and unconditional” presidential pardons for around 1,500 people convicted in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
Those pardoned or granted commutations include leading figures from the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers groups convicted of seditious conspiracy, as well as more than 130 individuals convicted of assaulting police officers.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police said they are “deeply discouraged” by the pardons and commutations.
Trump has also faced criticism from several GOP lawmakers for fulfilling his 2024 campaign promise to pardon what he described as January 6 “hostages.” Defending his decision, Trump told reporters Tuesday the individuals had “served years” for their crimes.
In an executive order issued Monday, Trump also directed Attorney General-designate Pam Bondi to dismiss all pending federal indictments related to the January 6 attack, as well as hundreds of ongoing prosecutions.
The unions also referenced pardons made by former President Joe Biden for individuals convicted of killing law enforcement officers.
In one of his final acts as president, Biden commuted the sentences of Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson, two men who were linked to the murder of Virginia Officer Allen Gibson. They were later acquitted—but remained in prison on drug trafficking charges.
Biden also commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, who spent 50 years in prison after being convicted of murdering two FBI agents in 1975, a crime he has consistently denied committing.
What People Are Saying
Joint statement by the FOP and IACP: “The IACP and FOP 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. Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families.
“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.”
President Donald Trump during a press conference on Tuesday: “They’ve served years in jail. They should not have served. Murderers don’t even go to jail in this country. We commuted about [14] of them because it looks like they could have done things that were not acceptable for a full pardon. But these people have served years in jail, and their lives have been ruined.”
Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins in a statement: “While I believe some Americans were caught up in the crowd on January 6 and may well deserve the clemency President Trump has given, there is a great difference between violent crimes and nonviolent crimes. I do not support pardons given to people who engaged in violence on January 6, including assaulting police officers or breaking windows to get into the Capitol, for example.”
Republican Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “It’s over. It’s finally over. J6’ers are being released TONIGHT!! Never forget what the Democrats did and how they prosecuted J6’ers but NOT Antifa and BLM. Never again!!!”
What Happens Next
The pardoned Capitol rioters not yet released from jail are expected to be freed in the coming days.
Many of Trump’s other executive orders, such as attempting to end birthright citizenship, have already been challenged in court by Democrats and liberal groups.
The post Police Union That Endorsed Trump Condemns Jan 6 Pardons—’Dangerous Message’ appeared first on Newsweek.
