WASHINGTON —The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have jointly condemned recent pardons and commutations issued by President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, 10 News San Diego reported.
The law enforcement organizations criticized the early release of any individuals convicted of assaulting or killing police officers, calling for full accountability for crimes against law enforcement, according to the report.
“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 reads. “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. 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, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence.”
The statement followed Trump’s decision to pardon nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and commute the sentences of 14 others, according to the report. Among those pardoned were individuals convicted of assaulting police officers with weapons such as flagpoles, batons and fire extinguishers.
In addition to the Jan. 6-related pardons, the statement also condemns recent Biden administration pardons and commutations, according to the report. Biden granted clemency to Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in the 1975 shooting of two FBI agents in the head at close range after they had been wounded in a shootout.
The FOP has endorsed Trump during the past three presidential election cycles, according to the report. The IACP is a non-profit organization which is not allowed to make political endorsements.
