- United States
- S.C.
- Letter
Reject pardons for January 6 rioters, uphold democracy
To: Sen. Graham, Sen. Scott, Rep. Mace
From: A verified voter in Hilton Head Island, SC
January 23
The sweeping pardons granted by President Trump to defendants convicted of crimes related to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol are deeply concerning. Allowing those who engaged in violent criminal acts against law enforcement officers and disrupted a constitutionally mandated proceeding to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and our democratic traditions. The judges overseeing these cases have rightfully condemned attempts to downplay or revise the events of that day. As their orders make clear, the historical record is well-established through extensive evidence, including videos, photos, testimony, and judicial opinions analyzing the facts. No pardon can erase the violence, destruction, and terror inflicted on that day or the injuries suffered by the brave law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. Dismissing charges and granting clemency to those who participated in an assault on our democracy is an affront to the principles of justice and accountability. It threatens to normalize such lawless behavior in the future by emboldening others who may seek to disrupt legitimate election processes through violence and intimidation.