Washington Police Sound Alarm: Trump Pardons Could Trigger Surge in Violence

In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding potential pardons for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, concerns have arisen among law enforcement and former officers who faced violence during the attack. Michael Fanone, a former Metropolitan Police officer, expressed his alarm over the implications of such pardons during a press call hosted by Public Citizen. He revealed receiving multiple threats from incarcerated defendants linked to the insurrection, stating that pardons could lead to increased violence against witnesses.

Fanone, who experienced firsthand the brutality of the rioters, warned, “The level of violence is going to rise.” While Trump’s stance on pardons remains ambiguous, with previous indications of a case-by-case review, he hinted at considering pardons for those charged with violent actions. In a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump diverted questions regarding police attackers, positioning his supporters as victims and citing Ashli Babbitt, who was shot during the riot, as an example of unjustified violence.

Former Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonell, who endured similar violence during the attack, condemned Trump’s narrative. He emphasized that history would remember the sacrifices made by officers rather than the actions of those who assaulted the Capitol. Gonell reported unease among current Capitol police officers regarding the possibility of Trump’s inauguration and the attendance of certain January 6 defendants, as several rioters have requested permission to attend. So far, only William Pope has received approval but remains on pre-trial release.

Many officers reportedly feel betrayed by Republican lawmakers who, after fleeing the violence, now seem to embrace Trump. In a Tuesday press conference, Trump repeated disproven conspiracy theories about undercover agents inciting the January 6 violence, further complicating narratives around the events of that day.

Tennessee Representative Steve Cohen criticized Trump, asserting that the former president bears direct responsibility for the chaos and the resulting casualties. “If it weren’t for Donald Trump, this would not have occurred,” Cohen stated, emphasizing the need for limitations on presidential pardon powers, which he has sought through legislative amendments since 2017.

The discussion also touched on concerns surrounding potential preemptive pardons from President Biden for those who may have faced repercussions for opposing Trump amid the January 6 fallout. Such names include former Republican Representative Liz Cheney. In an interview, Biden acknowledged he had yet to determine whether to grant any preemptive clemency and urged Trump during an Oval Office meeting not to target individuals associated with the incident.

Former ethics counsel Norman Eisen suggested Biden might consider offering amnesty instead of pardons, which could protect certain figures from prosecution entirely. However, Biden has not yet publicly addressed the issue of amnesty, leaving the legal landscape regarding these matters uncertain.