1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express concern about the inconsistency between your current emphasis on supporting law enforcement and your response to the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Your recent statement celebrates directing federal support to local law enforcement and investing in public safety, yet you remained silent when over 140 law enforcement officers were injured defending the Capitol that day. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died following the attack. Officers suffered traumatic brain injuries, lost eyes, and sustained permanent disabilities protecting members of Congress. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone was tased repeatedly and suffered a heart attack. Yet in the immediate aftermath, you did not call for accountability or express support for these officers who were beaten with flagpoles, crushed in doorways, and assaulted with chemical spray. Your statement now frames border security and support for law enforcement as core priorities, describing efforts to make Memphis the safest city in America. However, selective outrage undermines the credibility of these commitments. Law enforcement officers deserve consistent support regardless of the political circumstances surrounding their service. More than 1,000 individuals have been charged in connection with January 6th, with many convicted of assaulting law enforcement. These prosecutions represent the rule of law you now champion. Tennessee families expect their Senator to stand with law enforcement officers in every situation, not only when politically convenient. I ask that you explain this inconsistency to your constituents. Why was there no public statement supporting the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police officers who defended Congress on January 6th? How do you reconcile celebrating law enforcement support now while remaining silent when officers faced a direct assault on our democratic institutions? Tennesseans deserve clarity on whether your commitment to law enforcement is principled or selective.