U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger voices deep concern over President Trump's pardons for individuals convicted or facing charges related to the January 6th Capitol riot, stating that it sends a dangerous message about the prioritization of politics over law enforcement.
Washington — U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger expressed deep concern over the sweeping pardons issued by President Trump on Monday night, which granted clemency to individuals convicted or facing charges related to assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. \'I think it sends the message that politics is more important than policing,' Manger stated in an interview with 'CBS Evening News' anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell on Tuesday.
Hours after his inauguration, President Trump granted clemency to approximately 1,500 defendants convicted of crimes connected to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. This group included individuals convicted of violent and serious offenses, including assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Additionally, the president directed the Justice Department to discontinue all pending cases related to the riot, abruptly ending the extensive effort undertaken by the department under former President Joe Biden to ensure accountability for those involved in the attack. \'I'm concerned for my officers. I'm concerned about what message they get from these actions,' Manger said, emphasizing the potential impact on officer morale and their willingness to face danger. He voiced his worry that the pardons might lead officers to question the purpose of their service, particularly when faced with future protests or arrests. 'My concern is the message that it sends when people who are arrested for committing violence against police officers are not held to account,' he stated. And I worry about the morale of my officers. I worry about just how this impacts them, and I don't want them handling some protest or making some arrest in the future and scratching their head wondering, 'Well, I wonder what's going to happen with this case?''\Manger revealed that many officers have expressed anger over the pardons, stating, 'They're upset, and I don't blame them.' He explained that officers felt they were performing their duties appropriately on January 6th, and the pardons conveyed a message that the actions of those who assaulted them were acceptable. President Trump has consistently downplayed the events of January 6th, referring to the defendants as 'hostages.' On Monday night, he asserted that 'these people have been destroyed,' and on Tuesday, he added, 'these people have already served years in prison.' The Justice Department reported that over 140 officers from Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department were assaulted during the riot. More than 170 defendants faced charges involving the use of deadly or dangerous weapons or causing serious bodily injuries to officers during the siege that disrupted Congress as it was certifying Biden's 2020 election victory. \Manger acknowledged the inherent risks associated with law enforcement, stating, 'Cops will willingly put themselves in harm's way, and they don't ask a lot.' However, he emphasized the importance of demonstrating support for officers and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate violence against them. Manger also criticized Biden's commutation of the life sentence of Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, stating that it 'sends a pretty poor message' to the FBI and law enforcement. Peltier was convicted in the 1975 killing of two FBI agents, and Manger expressed concern that the pardon undermines the respect for law enforcement and the memory of the fallen agents
Trump Pardons January 6Th Capitol Riot U.S. Capitol Police Thomas Manger Law Enforcement Accountability Officer Safety
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