Attorney General Mayes Denounces January 6th Pardons

PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today denounced the decision by President Donald Trump to pardon individuals convicted of violent crimes during the January 6th insurrection. Mayes stated that the President's actions have resulted in the release of violent criminals back onto our streets, jeopardized public safety, and betrayed the law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect the U.S. Capitol four years ago.

"The violent attack on our nation's Capitol on January 6, 2021, was not just an assault on the rule of law-it was an assault on the brave men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect us all," said Attorney General Mayes. "President Trump's decision to pardon these violent criminals is the most anti-law enforcement action that any President of the United States has ever taken. It is a reckless act that endangers our communities and undermines the efforts of police officers across the country."

"How can the American people trust the new administration to stand with law enforcement when it chooses to pardon individuals who attacked cops?" Mayes said. "Releasing these criminals back on our streets sends a dangerous message that political violence and assaults on police officers will be excused and forgiven. These were not peaceful protesters, and they were not 'hostages'-they are violent criminals who destroyed property and violently assaulted police officers."

"As the chief law enforcement officer in the state of Arizona, I will always stand with the brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us all safe," said Mayes.