Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has expressed strong disapproval following President Donald Trump's decision to grant pardons and commutations to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. This controversial move includes those who committed violent acts against law enforcement officers.

Durbin stated, “On January 6, 2021, a Constitutional proceeding was disrupted when a mob of Trump-inspired thugs attacked and trashed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn a free and fair election." He highlighted the grave consequences of that day, noting "the resulting deaths of five law enforcement officers and the injury of approximately 140 others."

In his statement, Durbin condemned Trump's actions as "a national embarrassment," emphasizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers during the attack. "These law enforcement officers risked their lives for us—and some of them died as a result of this attack," he said.

The pardons issued by President Trump cover several individuals convicted for their roles in the violence. Among them is David Dempsey, known for using various objects as weapons against police officers; Shane Jenkins, who assaulted police with axes and other items; Kyle Fitzsimons, whose assaults resulted in severe injuries to Sergeant Aquilino Gonell; and Kenneth Bonawitz from the Proud Boys group, who inflicted significant harm on multiple officers.

Durbin called for America to apologize to these brave law enforcement officers for what he termed an attempt to "whitewash the truth of January 6."