U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger has voiced serious concerns regarding potential pardons for those involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection, emphasizing the implications such actions would have for law enforcement across the country. In an interview with The Hill, Manger questioned, “What message does that send?” He stressed the gravity of pardoning individuals convicted of assaulting police officers, particularly in light of the turmoil faced by law enforcement during the attack.

During the January 6 riot, approximately 140 police officers were assaulted, resulting in injuries to many, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who succumbed to a stroke after the event. Manger pointed out that over 100 injuries were reported among police a stark reminder of the risks taken by officers while upholding the law on that day, and cited the need for accountability in the face of violence against police personnel.

Manger refrained from directly addressing former President Donald Trump’s assertion that he would pardon many defendants related to the January 6 events, a promise made should he return to office. Trump has pledged to enact such pardons in what he claimed would be a swift process upon assuming the presidency once more. Despite Trump's intentions to review cases individually, Manger insisted that the overarching principle of upholding justice must prevail.

“This is not about any particular president,” Manger articulated, underscoring that the focus should remain on supporting law enforcement officials: “It’s about police officers who are asked to do the things that they’re asked to do, and the community supporting them when they’re hurt, injured, assaulted or killed.” The concern resonates especially as the country prepares for the upcoming certification of the 2024 election results, marking the fourth anniversary of the January 6 incident.

Former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, a vocal critic of Trump, has also expressed dismay over the possible pardons, citing them as potentially devastating for law enforcement. “It’s devastating that Trump could erase the justice law enforcement sought,” Gonell stated in a recent op-ed.

Manger reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are better prepared now than four years ago for possible political violence, urging communities to back those who risk their lives to maintain order. He concluded by saying that “there’s a line that you cross when you assault a police officer”, highlighting the essential role of accountability in upholding law and order.

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