Columbia Standard

In a recent address to the Senate, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin urged his colleagues to support a resolution introduced by Senator Patty Murray. The resolution condemns President Trump's pardons of individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Despite Durbin's appeal, the resolution was rejected by Senate Republicans.

Durbin recounted his experience on January 6, 2021, when Vice President Pence was abruptly removed from the Senate floor due to escalating violence outside. He described that day as one of significant turmoil and violence against law enforcement officers defending the Capitol.

President Trump recently commuted sentences for 14 individuals and issued pardons for approximately 1,500 others related to the attack. Many of these individuals have shown little remorse for their actions against law enforcement personnel.

Durbin highlighted specific cases, including David Dempsey, who received a lengthy prison sentence for attacking police officers but expressed confidence in an early release following Trump's pardon. Other individuals like Devlyn Thompson and Daniel 'D.J.' Rodriguez were also mentioned as having committed violent acts during the riot but were granted clemency.

Quoting Winston Churchill, Durbin emphasized the importance of learning from history to prevent similar events in the future. He stressed that political violence is unacceptable in a democracy and called for honoring those who defended lawmakers on January 6.

Durbin concluded by expressing disappointment over Republican opposition to Murray's resolution and reiterated his gratitude towards law enforcement officers who risked their lives during the insurrection.