SIGN: Do NOT pardon the January 6 insurrectionists!
Dear MoveOn member,
My name is Craig Sicknick. My brother, Brian Sicknick, died following the violent and disgraceful attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
My brother died doing his job defending our freedom and democracy. That day is a stain on our country’s history. But for me and my family, it’s more than that. We will spend the rest of our lives grieving time lost with Brian—a sibling, son, friend, and coworker. We have to live with the consequences of that day for the rest of our lives.
Donald Trump and his loyalists not only celebrate the deadly mob that killed my brother—they are determined to pardon those responsible. It is a betrayal to not only the families and loved ones of those who were injured and killed but to all Americans.
Brian was caught in the mob doing his duty to protect the U.S. Capitol and uphold the law. He was soaked with pepper spray, collapsed that same night, and died the next day. The stress and trauma of January 6 contributed to the strokes that killed him.
Julian Khater—the man who pepper-sprayed my brother—was sentenced to six years in prison. But he was part of a larger, violent mob. A mob that Trump incited. A mob that Trump now promises to help evade accountability. If Trump delivers on his campaign promise, then people like Julian will be released from prison, and others will never be forced to face the consequences of their actions. It’s just plain wrong.
Join me and my family in telling Donald Trump: Do NOT pardon January 6 insurrectionists!
Trump urged his fervent followers to march to the Capitol on January 6, 2021—using lies and conspiracy theories to stoke anger and aggression. Thousands forced their way into the Capitol, looting and vandalizing our government, many using weapons and deadly force.
“Trump asked us to come,” they said.1
Nearly 150 people were physically injured. Countless more continue to struggle with mental health from the trauma. Nine people, including Brian, died in connection to the insurrection.2
Trump never called to express his condolences to our family. He doesn’t care about us or the people who defended our country that day.
He cares only about himself. For Trump, January 6, 2021, was what he calls a “day of love.” For us, it was a nightmare.
My brother was just 42 years old. Nothing will erase the events from that day or bring Brian back. But pardoning the insurrectionists is a blow to every single person who cares about fairness, justice, and freedom.
Thanks for all you do.
–Craig Sicknick
Sources:
1. “WATCH: ‘Trump asked us to come,’ rioters said during Jan. 6 attack,” PBS News, June 9, 2022
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-asked-us-to-come-rioters-said-during-jan-6-attack
2. “These Are the People Who Died in Connection With the Capitol Riot,” The New York Times, October 13, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/05/us/politics/jan-6-capitol-deaths.html
3. “Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence ‘obviously’ shouldn’t be pardoned,” Associated Press, January 12, 2025
https://apnews.com/article/vance-trump-pardons-capitol-riot-31308a54ebac4ef6783662f595262dec
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