Story perspectives

Officer Daniel Hodges Testifies: Trump’s Pardons Fuel Violence

12/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Daniel Hodges, a police officer in Washington, D.C., testified before Congress about violence he experienced on January 6.
He criticized pardons issued by U.S. President Donald Trump for Capitol riot defendants, arguing they embolden violence against police.
Despite threats, Hodges remains committed to accountability for that day.
His testimony shows a divide between Democrats who protect police safety and Republicans who have largely ignored the attack's severity.

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Story summary

Daniel Hodges, a police officer in Washington, D.C., testified before Congress about violence he experienced on January 6.
He criticized pardons issued by U.S. President Donald Trump for Capitol riot defendants, arguing they embolden violence against police.
Despite threats, Hodges remains committed to accountability for that day.
His testimony shows a divide between Democrats who protect police safety and Republicans who have largely ignored the attack's severity.