Washington, DC - New Jersey's Democratic U.S. House members today issued a forceful condemnation of President Trump's decision to release Julian Khater - the criminal who brutally assaulted New Jersey native and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick - as well as more than 1,500 other rioters convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Sicknick tragically died hours after being sprayed with a chemical agent and beaten by a Trump-inspired mob intent on stopping the peaceful transfer of power - a central tenet of American democracy. Every New Jersey House member was asked to stand with law enforcement by signing this statement. The members signing the statement are Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08).

"We unequivocally condemn President Trump's pardons of those convicted for the violent January 6th attack on the Capitol. The release of Julian Khater, who brutally assaulted Officer Brian Sicknick - a proud New Jerseyan who gave his life defending our democracy - is an appalling miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face to law enforcement officers everywhere. This shameful pardon undermines the rule of law and is an unforgiveable betrayal of all the law enforcement officers who performed their duties bravely on that dark day. President Trump's pardoning of these violent criminals is not only an insult to Officer Sicknick's memory, but also sets a dangerous precedent that puts our democracy at risk."

Similarly, the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police released a joint statement opposing President Trump's pardons and commutations of January 6 officer assailants, stating: "The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences. Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety - they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law. Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families. When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence."