Sen. Chuck Schumer

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer Condemns Trump’s Pardons Of J6 Defendants

Sen. Chuck Schumer
Sen. Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Monday for issuing pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Schumer and his Democratic colleagues introduced a Senate resolution condemning the pardons, calling them a dangerous affront to democracy and the rule of law.

READ: As CNN Panel Complains About Trump’s J6 Pardons, Jennings Reminds Them Of Inconvenient Truth

“President Trump claims to stand for law and order, but his actions prove otherwise,” Schumer said during a press conference. “By pardoning lawless rioters, including those who assaulted Capitol police officers and attempted to overturn a legitimate election, he is sending a message that political violence and lawbreaking are acceptable.”

Schumer pointed to one high-profile pardon recipient convicted of seditious conspiracy who, shortly after the January 6 attack, publicly regretted not bringing rifles to the Capitol. “The fact that this person received a pardon is disgraceful,” Schumer stated. “It’s an insult to the brave law enforcement officers who defended democracy that day.”

The sweeping executive clemency orders, one of Trump’s first actions upon assuming office for a second term, fulfilled a campaign promise to free those Trump referred to as “political hostages.” The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue the pardons undermine accountability and justice.

READ: Jonathan Turley Says Biden DOJ’s Treatment Of J6 Rioters ‘Made The Case’ For Trump Pardoning Them

The clemency orders granted full pardons to individuals convicted of charges including obstruction of an official proceeding, trespassing, and assaulting law enforcement officers. Six cases were commuted for further review.

In response to the backlash, Trump defended his decision, emphasizing that those pardoned were victims of a “political witch hunt” and deserved justice. “We are righting a terrible wrong,” Trump said during the signing of the pardons, adding that the Bureau of Prisons had been instructed to expedite the release of the individuals.

Schumer urged Republican lawmakers to join Democrats in condemning the pardons through a resolution set to be introduced in the Senate this week. “This should not be a partisan issue,” Schumer argued. “Many Republicans were here on January 6 and witnessed the violence firsthand. It’s time to stand up for democracy.”

READ: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin Says Biden Was Wrong For Issuing Preemptive Pardons

Notably, Schumer’s remarks omitted any mention of controversial commutations or pardons issued by former President Joe Biden during his final weeks in office. Biden commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, sparing the lives of those convicted of heinous crimes, including the killings of police officers and civilians.

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