top of page

Statement from the Community Safety and Solidarity Coalition (CSSC) on President Trump's Pardoning of Jan 6 Insurrectionists; January 24, 2025

 

New York, NY, January 24, 2025 ... The Community Solidarity & Safety Coalition condemns the recent pardons granted by President Trump to over 1,500 individuals involved in the violent act of Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. These pardons are inclusive of individuals who are members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group with a history of using violence, targeted harassment and intimidation to achieve their political goals; and the Oath Keepers, an anti-government right-wing fringe organization that has a history of participating in armed standoffs against federal agencies.

 

Leaders of the CSSC, an alliance comprised of non-governmental and non-partisan leaders working to collectively address critical community safety issues, especially focused on communities targeted by hate-fueled violence, issued the following statement:

“This action sends a deeply troubling message that violence targeting our nation’s democratic institutions has a seat at the table, and that coercive actions can be tolerated, excused or even rewarded.
 

“We are deeply disturbed by the prospect of tolerance for violence and vigilantism in our society, which sets a dangerous precedent for the future. No individual or group, including individuals tied to extremist organizations like the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, should be absolved of responsibility from their actions.
 

“The willingness to reward or expunge the records of individuals who attacked our nation’s Capitol with the express purpose of usurping our nation’s democratic processes sets a dangerous precedent – that violence can be the answer.
 

“During the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, we witnessed the personal cost of violence when police officers tasked with safeguarding the sanctity of our electoral process endured permanent injuries, were unable to return to their jobs, and some lost their lives due to the mental trauma inflicted during this horrible event. These are not merely statistics but people – spouses, parents, and friends – whose sacrifices are being erased and trivialized. Allowing those who targeted officers to go free further erodes trust in the justice system and sends the message that certain citizens are above the law. This opens the door to the potential for immunity for individuals targeting other populations including civil servants, government officials, and minority groups with impunity.
 

“These pardons by President Trump undermine our nation’s safety and security and send the wrong message to future generations about what is acceptable in a democracy. This is not about party or politics but upholding democratic principles.
 

“We call on President Trump to stand firm in his resolve to serve, first and foremost, the people of the United States and the democratic principles that have guided it for almost 250 years. The commitment to safeguarding and strengthening our union, and all those who reside here, must be our top priority.

© 2023 Anti-Defamation League. All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page