Are we safer after the pardons?
To the Editor:
In January 2021, Daniel Rodriques travelled to Washington, D.C., to take part in a gathering of supporters of the incoming president of the United States.
On Jan. 5 he sent a message to a group called Patriots 45 MAGA Gang, which read “There will be blood,” and another stating “Welcome to the Revolution.”
On Jan. 6 Rodriquez joined in the storming of the Capitol by various disparate groups and individuals wherein he attacked Officer Michael Fanone, tasing him in the neck and rendering him unconscious. Later he sent more messages to his gang bragging about attacking a police officer.
In January 2023, Rodriquez was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for his crime of “inflicting bodily injury on officers using a deadly and/or dangerous weapon” among others.
In January 2025, less than 24 hours after taking office, Daniel Rodriquez, one of many violent offenders, was pardoned of his crimes and released from prison by President Trump.
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We should not be surprised by the pardons of these criminals as this was a promise made during the campaign, but we should ask ourselves if it makes the streets safer, another promise made by the candidate, now president.
Margaret Pickett
Highlands
