Former D.C. police officer on Trump support of Jan. 6 rioters: ‘He’s a sick individual’

Former Washington, D.C., police officer Michael Fanone criticized former President Donald Trump for continuing to hold the jailed rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6 hostage and saying he would pardon them if re-elected.

“Donald Trump is sick. He is sick. And the idea that he would align himself with criminals who attack and assault law enforcement officers who are just doing their jobs is sick,” Fanone said. said Friday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“And anyone who supports it is equally demented,” he continued in the comments. Highlighted by Mediaite.

Fanone joined the media’s Willie Geist to discuss the Supreme Court hearings on President Trump’s presidential immunity argument.

Fanone was beaten by rioters who stormed the Capitol. He suffered a heart attack and traumatic brain injury after being shot with a Taser. Mr. Fanone was one of the most outspoken activists in law enforcement at the Capitol that day.

The Supreme Court on Thursday heard nearly three hours of arguments from Trump’s lawyers on why he should be immune from criminal prosecution in a case in which he allegedly plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. did.

Although the justices appeared prepared to give the former president some protection from criminal prosecution, they expressed skepticism about the argument that presidential immunity could extend to attempted coups.

Mr. Trump’s team has argued that Mr. Trump should be given absolute immunity for official actions while in office, and that that should extend into after he leaves office. They argue that his efforts to prevent a peaceful transfer of power after his election loss should be protected.

The landmark case could create new legal battles and delay lawsuits facing Mr. Trump. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to be handed down by the end of June, but Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the court to issue a decision on a faster schedule.