U.S. Senate Democrats Demand Vote to Condemn Trump’s Jan. 6 Pardons

WASHINGTON — A group of Democratic and independent U.S. senators unveiled a resolution on Monday aimed at condemning President Donald Trump’s recent clemency for those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. The violent events of that day resulted in numerous injuries to law enforcement and forced lawmakers into hiding while they attempted to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Leading the charge, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York, along with Senators Patty Murray, Chris Murphy, and Andy Kim, gathered support from fellow Democrat and independent senators. The resolution explicitly disapproves of pardons for individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers.

Initially, the press release omitted Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania as a co-sponsor; however, social media reports suggest he signed on to the resolution. Fetterman’s office has not yet confirmed his involvement.

Murray aims to seek unanimous consent for the resolution to advance on the Senate floor. Notably, only a single senator’s objection can halt its progression.

Murray, in her statement, stressed the importance of confronting the narrative surrounding January 6th, emphasizing that armed insurrectionists, egged on by Trump, violently attacked police as they attempted to undermine a democratic election process. She asserted that condemning these pardons should be straightforward, given the grave nature of the offenses committed against law enforcement.

“I hope and expect my Republican colleagues will allow this very simple resolution to pass as a show of support for the officers who put their lives on the line to keep senators safe,” Murray stated.

In light of Trump’s pardons, 22 Republican senators were approached for their opinions. Responses were limited; many declined to comment, claimed ignorance of the order, or only addressed pardons made by former President Joe Biden.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a well-known ally of Trump, remarked on NBC News that the pardons for the January 6 defendants were “a mistake” as they implied acceptance of violent behavior.

Trump’s clemency decisions included commuting sentences for ringleaders of the riots and granting unconditional pardons to others charged with crimes linked to the unrest.

Among around 1,572 cases stemming from the events, 608 individuals faced charges related to assaults on law enforcement. Of these, 174 were charged with using dangerous weapons, and many pleaded guilty to such assaults, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

Murray, Schumer, Murphy, and Kim outlined specific individuals who received pardons, noting troubling details of their actions during the riots. For instance:

Christopher Quaglin was sentenced to 12 years for specifically targeting officers with bear spray and physically attacking them.

Tyler Bradley Dykes received nearly five years for using a stolen police shield to obstruct and assault officers during the chaotic events.

Robert Sanford Jr. faced over four years for hitting officers with a fire extinguisher, illustrating the violent nature of attacks.

Lastly, Robert Scott Palmer was sentenced to over five years for throwing objects at officers and using a fire extinguisher as a weapon.

In a contrasting move, prior to his departure from office, Biden pardoned members of the congressional committee investigating the riots and four police officers who provided testimony. This political tension continues to unfold as both parties address the implications of that fateful day.

Last updated 12:40 p.m., Jan. 27, 2025