
The family of Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer who passed away following the January 6 insurrection, has publicly denounced President Donald Trump's decision to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the attack. In a display of clemency that included serious and violent offenders, Trump's broad action encompassed approximately 1,500 defendants, sparking a wave of criticism from various quarters, including the bereaved family, who have termed the move a flagrant "undoing of justice." According to CBS News, the Sicknick family stated, "There are no words that adequately describe the pain of losing Brian, and the suffering we have endured every day since, never to end." Trump signed the order directly after his second-term inauguration, indicating a priority marked by controversy.
Amidst the fallout, Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal labeled the mass pardons as "sickening," asserting that such moves disrespect law enforcement and discredit the justice system. He criticized his Republican colleagues for their silence, especially those who were present and protected during the chaos of January 6th. Meanwhile, there's a notable lack of consensus within the Republican ranks, as evidenced by Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, admitting that although he disagrees with the decision, he acknowledges the presidential power at play, as reported by CBS News.
In a further expression of dismay, Craig Sicknick, Brian's brother, told ABC News that the pardon represents a "betrayal of decency." The family's angst is echoed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who labelled Trump's action as a betrayal of justice and a dark moment for the nation. He elaborated on the repercussions for those defending the Capitol, including his state's native son Brian Sicknick, who died defending democratic processes.
During the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the Capitol police, the Sicknicks publicly refused to shake hands with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell among others, indicating their disapproval of certain lawmakers' stance toward the January 6 events. Sicknick's mother has been outspoken, painting Republicans as two-faced for their simultaneous praise of law enforcement and affiliation with Trump, a narrative further substantiated by ABC News. Additionally, the family has rebuked media outlets like Fox News, where Tucker Carlson has been accused of selectively portraying the insurrection to fit a peaceful narrative, prompting the Sicknick's to demand, “Leave us the hell alone and instead of spreading more lies from Supreme Leader Trump, why don’t you focus on real news,” an ordeal that has clearly exacerbated the family’s grief and search for accountability.