Today, Mark Mellman, President and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel, released the following statement:
“Condoning political violence leads to dark places in politics and this week, President Trump and Speaker Johnson are doing just that.
“By commuting or pardoning over 1,500 people who had been accused or convicted of their disgusting actions on January 6th, 2021, the President has presented a green light to people who seek to influence our politics through violence and intimidation.
“Trump pardoned people who assaulted police officers.
“Trump pardoned Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and other far-right extremists.
“Trump pardoned people who still proudly stand by what they did.
“Let’s be clear: not only is this wrong, it is dangerous.
“Now, Speaker Johnson is establishing a subcommittee dedicated to undermining the January 6th Select Committee’s work. The Speaker is going down a very troubling path – not only is he approving of the pardons, but he’s actively working to undermine the rule of law and attempting to re-write history,
“But no committee can change the facts we all saw what we saw on January 6th.
“In fact, on January 7th, 2021, Donald Trump said: ‘The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.’
“He knew then precisely what had happened and even he told the truth to the nation.
“So as the House begins — once again — to try and change January 6th’s history, we must be clear: it was a violent attack on our democracy that we must never forgive and never allow to happen again.”
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