When serious crimes perpetrators are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message, IACP-FOP stated.

On Wednesday, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) issued a joint statement criticizing the full and unconditional pardon granted by President Donald Trump to over 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

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“We have had longstanding and positive relationships with both President Trump and President Biden and have greatly appreciated their support of the policing profession. However, 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 statement reads.

“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,” the statement added.

“We call on policymakers, judicial authorities, and community leaders to ensure that justice is upheld by enforcing full sentences, especially in cases involving violence against law enforcement. This approach reaffirms our commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and the protection of those who risk their lives for our communities,” the IACP and FOP concluded.

These criticisms are significant as the National Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Trump in the last election, which the Republican politician proudly cited as proof of his commitment to law and order.

On January 6, 2021, the Capitol attack left five people dead and hundreds injured, including 140 police officers. This violent action occurred after Trump repeatedly, and without evidence, claimed that the 2020 election—which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden—had been stolen.

In the days following the attack, one officer died from his injuries, and four more, who had been assaulted by the rioters, later died by suicide or suffered heart attacks linked to the events, according to a Senate-commissioned investigation in 2022.

The family of fallen Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died a day after being called to defend the Capitol, described the pardons as a “betrayal of decency” in recent hours.

teleSUR/ JF Sources: EFE – IACP – FOP

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