WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Munger said he is concerned about the following: a major amnesty President Trump issued the order Monday night for people convicted or charged with assaulting police officers after the incident. Capitol riot 4 years ago.
“I think this sends a message that politics are more important than police,” Munger told CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell on Tuesday.
Hours after Trump was inaugurated, sworn On Monday, the president granted clemency to approximately 1,500 defendants convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Those pardoned include officers and others who have been convicted of violent and serious crimes, including assaults on police. seditious conspiracy.
The president also ordered the Justice Department to close all pending cases related to the riot, ending the department’s massive effort under former President Joe Biden to hold those who took part in the riot accountable. It ended suddenly.
“I’m worried about our police officers. I’m worried about the message they get from these kinds of actions,” Munger said, adding that police officers may question why they put themselves at risk. He added that there is.
“My concern is the message this system sends when people who are arrested for committing violence against police officers are not held accountable,” he said. “And I’m worried about the morale of our police officers. I’m worried about how this is going to affect them. And I’m worried about the morale of our officers. I’m worried about how this is going to affect them. And I’m worried about how they’re going to deal with any protests in the future or make any arrests.” We don’t want people to wonder, “What the heck is going on?” What happens in this case? ”
He said many police officers have expressed anger about the amnesty.
“They’re upset, but I don’t blame them,” the manager said.
“They believe they did a good job that day, and this somehow sends a message to them that it’s okay for these people to do what they did. ,” he says.
Javin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Trump has long downplayed the events of that day, calling the defendants “hostages.” On Monday night, Trump said, “These people have been destroyed.” Trump added on Tuesday: “These people have already served years in prison.”
More than 140 Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers were assaulted during the riot, according to the Justice Department. More than 170 defendants have been charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or seriously injuring a police officer in the siege that disrupted Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory over Trump in the 2020 election. was indicted for.
Manager said he is “constantly concerned” about the safety of his officers, but the job comes with risks and threats.
“Police are willing to put themselves in danger and don’t ask too many questions,” he says. “But I tell you, they have the support of the community and if something were to happen to them, the community would do the right thing and take care of them. It means a lot to police officers that they know that.”
Mr. Manager also mentioned Mr. Biden. rectification Indigenous activist Leonard Pelletier’s life sentence “sends a very bad message” to the FBI and all law enforcement agencies. Pelletier was convicted of murdering two FBI agents in 1975.
“Those FBI agents are still dead, but the man who killed them has gone free. The effect that has on every man and woman who wears a badge in this country is really terrible for them. ” said the manger.
