USCP Chief Manger criticizes Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons, calling them a career low and a threat to law enforcement morale.

Capitol Police Chief Condemns Pardons, Calls for Continued Reform

United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s pardons of January 6 defendants, describing the day they were issued as one of the most troubling moments of his decades-long career in law enforcement.

Manger, who is stepping down from his post this week, voiced his frustration in a recent interview with WTOP. “I was angry and as frustrated about that as I’ve ever been professionally,” he stated. The pardons, which came shortly after Trump’s inauguration, applied to nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Despite his dismay, Manger said the incident strengthened his resolve to protect the integrity of the Capitol Police force. “What it made me feel like is somebody’s got to stay here and stand up for these cops,” he said. He emphasized his continued commitment to advocating for his officers and defending the principles of justice and accountability.

Appointed in July 2021, Manger was tasked with rebuilding trust and security at the Capitol following the violent insurrection. Under his leadership, the USCP began implementing over 100 reforms, including enhancements in intelligence gathering, riot-response capabilities, and officer training to prevent a repeat of the events of January 6.

Throughout his tenure, Manger has consistently referred to the Capitol attack as an “insurrection” and an assault on democracy. His officers, he noted, carry vivid memories of the chaos. “Some people in this country believe January 6 wasn’t that bad,” Manger said. “My cops know what happened on January 6. They know what happened. They were here.”

The chief also expressed disappointment at the Justice Department’s recent $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who was fatally shot during the riot. “This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation — especially those who have a protective mission like ours,” Manger wrote to his officers, referencing the DOJ’s earlier conclusion that the shooting had been justified.

Manger’s law enforcement career spans nearly five decades, beginning in 1977 with the Fairfax County Police Department. He served as chief there and later in Montgomery County, Maryland, before retiring in 2019. His return to service in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in Capitol Police history, as the department sought to restore confidence and safety in the wake of one of the nation’s darkest political episodes.

In December 2022, the USCP was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor from Congress, in recognition of the officers’ bravery on January 6. Manger accepted the medal on behalf of the force, a symbol of their sacrifice and resilience.

As Manger prepares to retire, his words underscore the lasting impact of January 6 on the law enforcement community and the continued challenges of navigating a deeply polarized political climate. His tenure leaves a legacy of reform and a call for unwavering commitment to democratic values.