It was only a matter of time: The President issued a sweeping wave of commutations and a blanket pardon that absolved all the January 6 rioters, effectively undoing what many considered the most extensive criminal investigation in U.S. history. Defending his decision, Trump claimed the pardons were warranted, arguing that individuals committing violent crimes in other cities often go unpunished. He stated that he showed compassion to those whom authorities had improperly treated, insisting, “Their lives were destroyed.”
But what of the lives lost?
The harsh truth of that day lies in the deaths of five law enforcement officers and the injuries sustained by approximately 140 others—injuries that continue to haunt many to this day. Now, the very individuals responsible for that devastation have been pardoned by the very person who incited the riot.
Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the anti-government Oath Keepers, declared that the pardons were a victory for America, correcting past injustices and asserting that none should have been prosecuted. In stark contrast, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) highlighted the implications of the President’s actions, stating, “One of President Trump’s first moves was to release hundreds of violent offenders back into our communities—many of whom had assaulted law enforcement officers. Few have shown any remorse for their actions, and some have even hinted at plans for future violence.”
As someone who has spent from 2010 onward trying to study and uncover my connection to God, I found the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric during the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol to be a profound desecration of democracy and a betrayal of my faith. Watching the chaos unfold, I felt deep shame and profound horror as rioters’ misguided beliefs were attributed to God. I struggle to understand how these self-proclaimed patriots and Christians—who were, in fact, rioters—could justify their racially charged attempt to overthrow the government, fueled by malicious lies, supported Christian leaders, with Bibles they carried, and no evidence.
On January 6, 2021, the world witnessed a warped and dishonest portrayal of Christianity. Rioter’s actions were no different than the mob who hijacked an entire faith and condemned Jesus. It’s the same way the 9/11 terrorists hijacked Islam. Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and other extremist groups gathered, chanted, stormed, and killed by encouragement to “show strength.” How Christians could justify their support for Trump in the name of Christianity, given his history of dishonesty, immorality, inciting violence, and breaking his constitutional oath is fundamentally at odds with the principles of Christianity or any faith.
Trump repeatedly states God saved him, so he could save America. And Trump followers act as if God is Trump’s righteous arbiter, that there must ne some grand plan. Borrowing from Rabbi Brad Hirschfield (stated one year after September 11th):
You say it was a divine intervention or God’s plan? Then tell me about God’s plan. But if you’re going to tell me about how God saved Trump, you’d better also be able to explain why God killed a several police officers. You better tell us why God’s plan included severely injuring many others as well.
I want you to say it to the family who had to bury someone after January 6, 2021, look in the eyes, and tell them, “God’s plan was for us to riot, to save Trump, and destroy your loved one.” Tell them God planned that their parent’s children should go to bed every night for the rest of their lives without a parent. If you can say that, well, at least you’re honest. I don’t worship the same God. But that at least you have integrity.
Personally, if Christ were here and not on some exceeding long vacation, I think He would say to these pardoned idiots, “I never knew you.” Everyone who professes faith like Trump will not enter heaven. Many like Trump will claim to have performed great works (or riots) in God’s name, but they will be rejected for their lawlessness, as their actions did not align with true obedience to God.
And the belief that your lawlessness is some form of divinity will earn you a special reward: (from Christ) “I never knew you.”