The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) have strongly condemned recent presidential pardons and commutations for individuals convicted of attacking or killing law enforcement officers. The two organizations criticized both the Biden and Trump administrations for granting clemency in such cases, including Trump’s decision to pardon individuals convicted of violent acts during the January 6 Capitol riot.
The FOP, the largest police union in the U.S., which endorsed Trump during the last presidential election, expressed particular disappointment in Trump’s pardons of the January 6 rioters. The union joined the IACP in warning that these actions set a dangerous precedent, undermine accountability, and threaten public safety.
The joint statement emphasized the broader implications of crimes against police officers, framing such acts as attacks on the rule of law and society as a whole.
“Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety — they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law,” the statement read. “Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families.”
The IACP and FOP argue that holding perpetrators fully accountable for crimes against law enforcement is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of officers and communities alike.
The FOP’s criticism of Trump’s pardons is particularly notable given its prior endorsement of him. Many of those granted clemency were involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, where rioters assaulted police officers while attempting to overturn the results of the presidential election.
One of the most pressing concerns expressed by the police organizations is the potential for the pardons to embolden future acts of violence against officers.
“When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe,” the statement continued. “This could potentially embolden others to commit similar acts of violence.”
The IACP and FOP urged policymakers, judicial authorities, and community leaders to take a stand against early releases for those convicted of harming law enforcement officers.
Joint IACP-FOP Statement on the Recent Presidential Pardons pic.twitter.com/hoLzFI2rQb
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) January 21, 2025
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