Donald Trump has betrayed his oath, our country, and our safety by pardoning and commuting sentences for 1,500 January 6, 2021, (J6) violent rioters. Voters elected him because they wanted lower prices for eggs and housing, not a release of violent criminals. What happened to Republicans who (falsely) claim they “back the Blue” (law enforcement?)

We are horrified that the president released from prison rioters, including people who violently assaulted and gravely wounded 140 police officers protecting senators, congresspeople, and their staff and families. J6 domestic terrorists savagely beat, crushed, and stomped on Capitol and DC police officers. These violent criminals fractured skulls, caused one officer to lose an eye, another to lose two fingers, caused heart attacks, and concussions. Five officers lost their lives resulting from that traumatic day.

We are all less safe now. One notorious J6 rioter, the QAnon Shaman, Jacob Chansley, posted on X: “Thank you, President Trump…now I’m going to buy a mother f___ing gun.” The message is alarming for our future: if you support Trump, you can get away with criminal, even violent, acts.

These pardons are different from preemptive pardons President Biden gave to protect General Milley, the January 6th Committee, and others to prevent often-promised revenge against an “enemies list” of lawful opposition threatened by Trump and his enablers.

Mary Tomlinson

Baker City