Congressman Dan Goldman's Statement on President Trump Pardoning January 6th Rioters

“On his very first day in office, President Donald Trump has rewarded with unconditional and full pardons the criminals who, acting at his direction, invaded the Capitol and assaulted and seriously injured more than 170 police officers four years ago.  

  

“Included in this group are Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the domestic violent extremist Proud Boys, Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, and several other rioters who were duly convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to nearly 100 years in prison cumulatively. 

  

“These inexcusable and blasphemous pardons are an assault on the rule of law, an insult to the brave men and women in law enforcement, and an effort to whitewash the darkest day in American democracy.  

  

“With these pardons, Donald Trump has chosen far-right extremists who tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power over the brave officers who defended the Capitol that day. Silence and acquiescence from Congressional Republicans is simply not acceptable; if they do not condemn Trump’s actions today, then they should never again say that they “back the blue.” 

  

“President Trump was elected to help the middle class, not abuse the pardon power to undermine the rule of law. All Americans must speak out to defend our democratic values.”