Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Rioters: Louisiana Leaders and Law Enforcement Decry Assault on Justice
Those pardoned were convicted of crimes ranging from assaulting police officers and carrying deadly weapons to destroying federal property.
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s decision to issue unconditional pardons to individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol has provoked fierce criticism from Louisiana leaders and law enforcement organizations. The move, which pardons violent offenders who attacked police officers, has been described as a dangerous precedent that undermines accountability and the rule of law.
On Monday, Trump announced the pardons, commuting the sentences of 14 individuals and dismissing pending charges for hundreds more. Those pardoned were convicted of crimes ranging from assaulting police officers and carrying deadly weapons to destroying federal property. The Justice Department estimates that nearly 1,600 people were charged for their involvement in the attack, with more than 1,250 pleading guilty or being convicted.
The attack, aimed at disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, left 140 law enforcement officers injured. Five people died during or shortly after the riot, and the chaos marked one of the darkest days in modern U.S. history.
Louisiana Leaders Condemn Pardons
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, was among the few Republicans openly criticizing Trump’s decision, pointing to the impact on law enforcement.
"If someone beats a police officer in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or anywhere else in Louisiana, they should be held accountable, not pardoned," Cassidy said. "The principle is simple: if you do the crime, you should do the time."
At least eight individuals from Louisiana were charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Among them was Edward Richmond Jr. of Geismar, who assaulted a Capitol Police officer with a baton while wearing body armor. Richmond pleaded guilty to felony assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to over four years in prison.
Cassidy emphasized that pardoning individuals who attacked police officers sends a dangerous message. "This undermines the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and threatens public safety," he said.
Republican Response Highlights Division
While Cassidy denounced the pardons, many Republicans sidestepped the issue or defended Trump’s actions. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, framed the pardons as a response to what he called the "weaponization" of the Justice Department.
"The president has the constitutional authority to issue pardons," Johnson said. "These individuals were punished excessively, and it’s time to move forward."
Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, went further, arguing that the January 6 defendants were victims of political persecution. On social media, Higgins called the rioters "political prisoners" and criticized Republicans who opposed the pardons as uninformed.
Higgins, a former law enforcement officer, has repeatedly claimed—without evidence—that federal agents provoked the riot to entrap conservative protesters. He has yet to provide proof for these allegations.
Law Enforcement Outrage
The pardons drew strong condemnation from law enforcement organizations, including those that previously supported Trump.
The Capitol Police union issued a scathing statement, calling the decision an affront to officers who defended the Capitol. "This abuse of presidential power disrespects the officers who risked their lives on January 6," the union said.
The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Trump in earlier campaigns, also criticized the decision. "Pardoning individuals who violently attacked law enforcement undermines the rule of law and endangers public safety," the organization said.
Democratic Leaders Sound the Alarm
Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, joined the chorus of criticism, warning that the pardons set a dangerous precedent.
"President Trump’s reckless decision to pardon violent offenders who brutally attacked police officers is a direct assault on justice and public safety," Carter said. "This undermines accountability and makes our communities less safe."
A Troubling Precedent
The January 6 riot, fueled by Trump’s false claims of election fraud, sought to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory. The violence, which temporarily disrupted the constitutional process, has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy.
Trump’s pardons have reignited debates about the limits of presidential clemency and its implications for justice and accountability. Critics argue the decision undermines public trust in law enforcement and emboldens individuals who seek to use violence for political purposes.
"This decision isn’t just about the Capitol riot," Cassidy said. "It’s about the message we send to those who believe they can act violently and avoid consequences. That’s not justice."
The pardons leave a bitter divide, highlighting the tension between political loyalty and the principles of accountability and law enforcement. For many, the events of January 6 remain a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
