President Trump on Tuesday defended his decision to grant clemency for nearly 1,500 Jan. 6 protestors, including those who were charged and convicted of crimes against police officers. 

Speaking from the White House, Mr. Trump pointed to left-leaning district attorneys across the country who have pursued light sentences for severe crimes. 

“Murderers today aren’t even charged. You have murderers in this country that aren’t charged all over,” the president said. “Take a look at what’s gone on in Philadelphia. Take a look at what’s gone on in LA where people murder people and they don’t get charged.” 

Mr. Trump said the Jan. 6 protesters served their term in an “inhumane,” “disgusting” prison. 

He blamed the Biden administration for refusing to pursue sentences against those who rioted following the murder of George Floyd in Democratic-led cities in 2020 during Mr. Trump’s first term.

“Also take a look at Minneapolis because I was there and I watched it,” he said. “If I didn’t bring in the National Guard that city wouldn’t even exist today. People were killed and no one went to jail.”

SEE ALSO: Son who turned in dad for Capitol riot now fears for his life after Trump pardon

Asked whether the pardons were sending a message that assaulting law enforcement officials is acceptable, Mr. Trump said “No, the opposite.”

“I’m the friend of police more than any other president that’s ever been in this office,” he said. 

Mr. Trump on Monday pardoned well over 1,000 people who were charged in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of pro-Trump supporters tried to stop Congress from certifying President Biden’s election win. 

Mr. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 people in the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers, who were charged with seditious conspiracy. 

Democrats and some Republicans in Congress criticized the pardons. 

“I do not support pardons given to people who engaged in violence on January 6, including assaulting police officers, or breaking windows to get into the Capitol,” Sen. Susan Collins, Maine Republican, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Pardoned Jan. 6 defendants celebrate outside the D.C. jail

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.