Trump uses Biden pardons to defend release of violent Jan 6 rioters
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Trump also suggested the former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio had been sentenced unfairly for his seditious conspiracy conviction. President Donald Trump used his predecessor’s decision to grant preemptive pardons to his family members and other critics of the 47th to deflect criticism for releasing thousands of violent January 6 rioters, including some who assaulted police officers at the Capitol four years ago.
Speaking at a media availability with a trio of technology executives who were announcing a half-billion dollar investment in AI data centers, Trump was asked about the release from custody of DJ Rodriguez, who during the January 6, 2021 riot drove a stun gun into the neck of Washington, DC police officer Michael Fanone.
After initially suggesting that Rodriguez was not among those who were pardoned, he pivoted to claiming that progressive prosecutors in cities with Black mayors are refusing to charge murder suspects. “Take a look at what’s gone on in Philadelphia. Take a look at what’s gone off in LA where people murder people and they don’t get charged,” Trump said.
Turning the subject back to the violent criminals who assaulted police and sacked the US Capitol in a futile effort to stop certification of former president Joe Biden’s 2020 election win, Trump continued: “These people have already served years in prison and and they’ve served them viciously. It’s a disgusting prison. It’s been horrible. It’s inhumane. It’s been a terrible, terrible thing ... so these people have already served a long period of time, and I made a decision to give a pardon.”.
