The largest police union in the United States, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), has publicly condemned President Donald Trump's recent pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 insurrection. In a joint statement with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the unions expressed deep concern, labeling the pardons as sending a "dangerous message" that undermines the accountability of those who attack law enforcement. This condemnation comes after Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 rioters, including members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were charged with serious offenses, including assaults on police officers. According to the unions, this action diminishes the sacrifices made by law enforcement and could embolden future violence against them.

The FOP, which endorsed Trump during his 2024 campaign, has significantly changed its stance, highlighting that earlier statements of support do not excuse the gravity of this decision. The joint statement emphasized that "allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability" and negatively impacts the safety of society at large. They reiterated that serious crimes against law enforcement should lead to severe consequences to prevent future violations.

Republican voices have also echoed concerns about the implications of these pardons. Senator Thom Tillis remarked that such decisions could make the community less safe, while Lisa Murkowski expressed disappointment that harming law enforcement officers might lead to leniency. Furthermore, public sentiment revealed through recent polls indicates that a significant majority of Americans oppose the pardons; a poll found 58% of respondents disapprove of Trump's decision to pardon those involved in the January 6 events.

Polls conducted by NPR/PBS News and others have shown that a wide range of political affiliations share concerns about the implications of these pardons on law enforcement and public safety. As the discussion surrounding these pardons continues, the FOP and IACP have taken a strong position advocating for the importance of accountability, urging that actions against law enforcement should not go unpunished.

You can read more about the situation in detail in the reports from The Guardian and Salon.