In a recent interview with MSNBC’s Kirsten Welker, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina shared his thoughts on President Trump’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 events.
Graham, often perceived as a moderate Republican, expressed his belief that Trump’s pardoning of these individuals was a “mistake.” Comparing the situation to the actions of Black Lives Matter rioters during the previous summer’s protests, he emphasized the difference between peaceful protest and violent actions.
President Trump had taken a bold step by freeing over 1,500 people whom many see as political prisoners. These individuals had been detained by what some describe as the Biden/Obama shadow government for questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
Many of them lost loved ones, jobs, and their standing in the community, all to further a narrative that Trump was guilty of wrongdoing on January 6. Yet, videos from the day show a different story where Capitol Police used excessive force against protestors.
On that fateful day, a large crowd of Trump supporters gathered at the White House Elipse. They had come to hear President Trump speak. He urged them to march “peacefully and patriotically” to the Capitol to make their voices heard. However, what unfolded was far from peaceful, with chaos erupting, allegedly incited by federal agents and perhaps some leftist infiltrators. Reports indicate that Capitol Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at the crowd without prior warning.
Inspector General David Horowitz’s report on January 6 brought some revelations. According to the report, the Department of Justice had 26 “confidential human sources” within the Trump protest at the Capitol. However, the report did not fully disclose how many undercover operatives were present. There’s speculation that the DOJ’s figures are underreported, as previous reports suggested the FBI lost track of its operatives and informants on that day.
Many of those charged in connection with the January 6 protest found themselves cornered into accepting plea deals. The alternative was facing an unforgiving far-left DC courthouse, known for its harsh sentences. This included charges of assaulting police officers, even in instances where individuals were defending themselves or others, as they were met with brutal force from law enforcement.
Senator Graham, when questioned about those who accepted plea deals, remarked that they “went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently,” calling it a “mistake.” He drew a parallel to Trump supporters and leftists “burning down Minneapolis,” suggesting both actions were wrong.
During the interview, Welker addressed Trump’s blanket pardons for those involved in January 6, including the 172 individuals who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers. Even with Vice President Pence’s stance that those who committed violence should not be pardoned, Graham acknowledged Trump’s legal authority to issue pardons but worried about the potential for increased violence.
Graham noted that while Trump had the right to pardon, it set a concerning precedent. He mentioned Kamala Harris’s support for raising bail for those involved in Minneapolis protests, pointing out a perceived double standard. He also referenced President Biden’s pardons, suggesting that if such actions continue, there might be a need to revisit the presidential pardon power.
When Welker asked Graham about the message Trump’s pardons send to law enforcement, Graham affirmed Trump’s historical support for law enforcement. He pointed out that many law enforcement officers who backed Trump were displeased with the pardons. However, he acknowledged that Trump had been transparent about his intentions during his campaign.
In discussing the broader implications of pardoning individuals who engaged in violence against police, Graham reiterated his stance against such actions, irrespective of political affiliation.
He emphasized his belief that neither Republicans nor Democrats should support bailing out or pardoning those who engage in violence against law enforcement or cause destruction in cities.
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