Murkowski, Cassidy criticize Jan. 6 pardons for people who assaulted police

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Tuesday criticized President Trump’s decision to pardon or commute the sentences of individuals who were convicted of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

“I don’t think that the approach of a blanket pardon that includes those who caused harm, physical harm to our police officers, to others, that resulted in violence — I’m disappointed to see that. And I do fear the message that is sent to these great men and women who stood by us,” Murkowski told reporters as she walked into a Republican meeting outside the Senate chamber.

Cassidy offered his own strong statement of disapproval about pardoning people who assaulted police officers four years ago in an effort to stop the certification of former President Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.

“It’s not right. People who assault police officers — if they do the crime, they should do the time,” Cassidy said.

Cassidy described himself as a “big ‘Back the Blue’ guy,” referring to his record of supporting law enforcement.

“Whether you’re in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Monroe, Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles or Washington, D.C., it’s wrong to assault anybody,” he said, referring to various cities in his home state.

Both Murkowski and Cassidy voted to convict Trump of the impeachment charge of inciting insurrection during his 2021 Senate impeachment trial. They were two of seven Republican senators to vote to convict Trump.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is the only other GOP senator who voted to convict Trump who is still in Congress.

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