Columbia Standard

In a recent Senate floor speech, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expressed strong opposition to President Trump's decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. These pardons included those who had assaulted law enforcement officers during the incident.

Durbin cited an NPR article while addressing his colleagues, highlighting the crimes committed by those who received pardons. "We should reflect on these pardons and the people who received them," he stated.

He read from the article: "'[Here are] Some of the people convicted of violence on January 6,' here in the U.S. Capitol building, 'who received ‘full, complete, and unconditional’ pardons' from President Trump the day he was sworn in."

Among those mentioned was David Dempsey, convicted for assaulting police officers with pepper spray and various objects. Durbin noted that Metropolitan Police Department Detective Phuson Nguyen testified about being attacked by Dempsey, saying, "I thought that’s, you know, where I’m going to die." Despite a 20-year prison sentence, Dempsey received a pardon.

Durbin also recounted the case of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after being pepper sprayed by Julian Khater. Sicknick's mother addressed Khater at his sentencing hearing: "Lawlessness, misplaced loyalty to a deranged autocratic ideal, and hate killed my son." Khater was sentenced to six years but also received a pardon.

Patrick Edward McCaughey III was another individual highlighted by Durbin for using a riot shield against police officers. Federal judge Trevor McFadden described McCaughey's actions as some of "the most egregious crimes" committed on January 6 before sentencing him to seven years in prison. He too was pardoned.

Ryan Nichols pleaded guilty to using pepper spray on officers and inciting rioters with violent rhetoric through a bullhorn. He recorded himself calling for a second American Revolution and was sentenced to over five years but later pardoned.

Lastly, Daniel Rodriguez admitted guilt for attacking police officer Michael Fanone with a stun gun multiple times during the insurrection. Fanone testified about fearing for his life during the attack. Rodriguez was sentenced to more than 12 years yet also received clemency from Trump.

Durbin emphasized that these accounts from law enforcement illustrate why such pardons are indefensible: "For those who suggest that these are casual tourists...they should read the details of the attacks these individuals made on police officers..."

He concluded that under these circumstances, "The pardons from the White House are impossible to explain."