Disrespect for the law

To the editor:

Did you know that during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department?

Did you know that about 19 police officers serve the Fairmont community (Fairmont police website (1/29/25)? Over seven times that number of Fairmont police officers were assaulted on the day of Jan. 6, 2021, during that violent assault on Congress. That assault was urged on by the then President of the United States. On Jan. 20, 2025, 1,500 rioters were pardoned by the President. That presidential pardon includes all the individuals that were convicted in court of violence that day against the law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C.

The presidential pardon of the convicted Jan. 6, 2021, rioters is a slap in the face to all law enforcement officers in this country, including the Fairmont police officers.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said:

“We will never forget the truth of what happened on January 6: A violent mob attacked our democracy, our Capitol, and the brave men and women of the Capitol Police who were defending it,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These officers deserve our respect, not the release and pardoning of those who assaulted them. Over the last four years, I have led hearings to examine the events leading up to the attack and have worked with Democrats and Republicans to ensure Capitol Police officers have our full support moving forward. The release of and pardons for those who assaulted them is simply wrong.” (Website of Massachusetts Senator Mark Markey, 1/29/25)

Peter Engstrom

Fairmont