Two major organizations that represent police officers issued a rare stinging rebuke to former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump over their recent pardons.
Upon taking office, Trump issued pardons to about 1,500 people in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including many accused of attacking police officers. More than 600 faced charges for assaulting, resisting, or obstructing police officers.
Trump's widely criticized pardon spree came just hours after Biden issued preemptive pardons to members of his extended family, a move also met with swift criticism.
Prior to those pardons, Biden in January and December commuted the sentences of thousands of people, including multiple felons convicted of killing police officers.
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Biden commuted the death sentence for Daryl Lawrence, who killed Columbus Police Officer Bryan Hurst in 2005. He will now serve a life term in prison.
Meanwhile, Biden commuted the sentences of Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson, known as the "Waverly Two," who were convicted in the 1998 death of police officer Allen Gibson, allowing them to be released. In that case, a jury found the men not guilty, but a judge sentenced both to life in prison based on other guilty pleas.
On Tuesday, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police issued a rare joint statement slamming the pardons.
The organizations said they've had "long standing and positive relationships" with both presidents and "greatly appreciated their support of the policing profession."
"However, the IACP and FOP are deeply discouraged by the recent pardons and commutations granted by both the Biden and Trump administrations to individuals convicted of killing or assaulting law enforcement officers,' the organizations said in their statement. "The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences."
The organization added that crimes against law enforcement agents 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," the statement said.
The organizations warned that criminals — particularly those in serious crimes — who aren't held fully accountable sends a "dangerous message" that the repercussions of attacking law enforcement are "not severe," which could embolden others to do the same.
They urged policymakers, judicial authorities and community leaders to ensure such offenders see that full sentences are served and ensure "justice is upheld."