Biden issues pre-emptive pardons for Fauci and Jan 6 riot committee

In a significant move, President Joe Biden has issued pre-emptive pardons to key figures involved in the Covid-19 response and the investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot. This decision comes as Biden prepares to leave office, and he aims to protect these individuals from what he describes as 'unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions. ' Among those receiving pardons is Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been a prominent figure in the nation's response to the pandemic. Biden expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of these public servants, stating, 'Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment. ' Additionally, Biden extended a pardon to Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had previously referred to Trump as 'fascist to the core. ' Biden's statement emphasized that these pardons should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing by those pardoned. The decision to grant these pardons has raised concerns among some Democrats. Senator Adam Schiff from California warned that Biden's actions could set a troubling precedent for future presidents, allowing them to issue broad pardons as they leave office. Dr. Fauci, in response to the pardons, expressed his appreciation for Biden's actions, noting that the threat of prosecution had caused significant distress for him and his family. He firmly stated, 'Let me be perfectly clear, I have committed no crime and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me. ' General Milley also thanked Biden, stating that he did not want to spend his life worrying about potential retribution for his past statements. He expressed a desire to protect his family and friends from the distractions and anxieties that could arise from such situations. Biden's pardons encompass all members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riot, along with their staff and the officers who provided testimony during the investigation. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn expressed his gratitude to Biden, stating that he was 'eternally grateful' not only for the pardon but also for Biden's leadership during these challenging times. Dunn highlighted the current political climate, which has made the need for such pardons a reality. He emphasized that, like many public servants, he was simply doing his job and upholding his oath to serve the nation. Meanwhile, former President Trump has previously called for investigations into fellow Republicans, including Liz Cheney, for her role in leading the congressional probe into the January 6 events. Trump is expected to issue pardons for individuals convicted of crimes related to the riot, hinting that people will be pleased with his decisions in the near future. Throughout his campaign, Trump frequently spoke about 'enemies from within' and endorsed individuals who promised retribution against his opponents. However, his nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, stated during her confirmation hearing that she would not use the Justice Department to target individuals based on their political affiliations.