The most prominent police union in the United States has criticized President Donald Trump for granting pardons to those “convicted of violence against or killing law enforcement officials.”
On Tuesday, the Fraternal Order of Police released this statement in collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, following Trump’s signing of an executive order on Monday that pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
On Tuesday, Trump asserted that those individuals had already served sufficient time in incarceration. However, the IACP and FOP maintained that they “strongly advocate for those convicted of such offenses to complete their full prison terms.”
“Attacks on law enforcement are not merely assaults on individuals or public order—they are assaults on our society and challenge the rule of law. Permitting early release for those convicted of such offenses reduces accountability and undermines the sacrifices made by brave law enforcement officers and their families,” read the joint statement.
To appear neutral, the organizations expressed being “greatly disheartened by the recent pardons and commutations issued by both the Biden and Trump administrations to individuals found guilty of killing or assaulting law enforcement personnel.” Notably, prior to his departure from office, President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 inmates on death row, including at least one who had killed a police officer.
While the statement did not specify particular pardons, the timing suggests the focus is primarily on the sweeping pardons for January 6 defendants issued by Trump.
The statement elaborated: “When offenders of serious crimes are not held fully accountable, it conveys a perilous message that the repercussions for attacking law enforcement are not substantial, which may encourage others to engage in violent acts.
“The IACP and FOP urge legislators, judicial representatives, and community leaders to uphold justice by enforcing complete sentences, particularly in violent law enforcement cases. This stance reinforces our dedication to the rule of law, public safety, and safeguarding those who put their lives on the line for our communities.”
The IACP supported Donald Trump’s campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Throughout his campaigning, Trump often vowed to pardon those connected to January 6, describing them as “patriots” and “hostages.” However, Axios reported that Trump’s administration was uncertain about moving forward with the pardons until the week of the inauguration, when the now-president allegedly declared “F–k it: Release ’em all,” according to an adviser involved in the decision-making.
Officer Michael Fanone, who was Tasered by D.J. Rodriguez during the riots, expressed his feelings upon learning about the mass pardons, stating, “I feel betrayed by my country.”
Rodriguez, arrested in March 2021, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison as of June 2023. NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander questioned Trump during a White House press briefing Tuesday: “What makes him deserving of a pardon?”
Initially, Trump did not respond directly, diverting to other topics while incorrectly stating that murderers in several cities “aren’t prosecuted.”
Returning to the topic of those convicted for January 6-related offenses, Trump stated: “These individuals have already endured years of incarceration, and they have suffered immensely. It’s a horrific institution. It has been cruel and unbearable.”
Meanwhile, just hours before the transition of power on Monday, Joe Biden issued pardons for several potential targets of the forthcoming Trump administration.
Biden granted proactive pardons to immunologist Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the House committee responsible for investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol—including former Rep. Liz Cheney. He notably pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, after he faced federal gun charges in June and pleaded guilty to tax charges in September.
