President Trump's Clemency Grants

Floor Speech

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Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, immediately after taking office, the current President granted sweeping pardons and commutations to over 1,500 insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

At least 174 police officers were injured while protecting the Capitol that day, and 5 officers who responded later died.

One of the people the President deemed fit to be released from prison shot a stun gun directly into the neck of an officer, causing him to suffer a heart attack and sustain a traumatic brain injury. Another attacked officers with bear spray. After being released for these crimes, he is now at large for allegedly soliciting a minor in 2016.

I was one of the last Members who was evacuated from this building on January 6. I have vivid memories, as many of us do, of the Capitol Police officers battered and exhausted but still defending us.

The decision to grant clemency to many violent and dangerous individuals is an affront to our democracy, our justice system, and the brave police officers who defended us that day and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask Members and Americans to reflect on this decision.

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