Letters to the Editor | Jan. 23, 2025

Donald Trump kept his promise. Immediately after his inauguration, he freed or pardoned approximately 1,500 people charged or convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. That included far-right leaders Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, and Joseph Biggs and Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys. This action put us on alert that vigilante political violence is acceptable and celebrated. These American terrorists are now in a position to become Trump’s paramilitary. As Timothy Snyder, a historian of 20th century Europe, wrote in his 2017 book, On Tyranny, we should be wary of paramilitaries.

Donna Greenberg, Philadelphia

I saw it with my own eyes. Violent rioters urged on by the loser of the 2020 election mercilessly attacked law enforcement with bats, hockey sticks, pipes, and flag poles. Officers were beaten and berated by a mob. One officer died. Shortly after being sworn into office again, Donald Trump, the convicted criminal, pardoned these dangerous MAGA criminals. I guess Trump has now given license to anyone to assault police officers and not face consequences. Jan. 6, 2021, was one of the saddest days in American history. The day of these pardons is another sad day.

Bob Zigmont, Morton

I call on our elected officials, regardless of party, to condemn in the strongest possible language the pardons issued to all of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionists by Donald Trump. No waffling. No false equivalencies to pardons by Joe Biden. Straight-up condemnation is required. These pardons send a dangerous message to the guilty and their sympathizers and will encourage similar lawlessness in the future. Our elected representatives must speak out against this madness and speak up for our democracy.

Ernie Peacock, Langhorne

We now have a convicted felon in the Oval Office issuing pardons for other convicted felons. In this case, they were criminals held to account for attacking police officers during an insurrection to overthrow the results of a free and fair election. How do the police unions respond? Do we still call ourselves a nation of laws? Shame on us.

Howard Brouda, Garnet Valley

Now that the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police’s preferred choice for president has pardoned the violent insurrectionists who assaulted and injured law enforcement officers, its silence speaks volumes. Has it come out with any statement regarding this travesty? The citizens might remember this silence the next time the FOP complains about District Attorney Larry Krasner being soft on crime — or when it wants its next contract. But then again, transparency is not the FOP’s strong suit.

T. Lynch, Philadelphia

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.