‘The stakes have never been higher:’ Former U.S. Capitol Officer Harry Dunn on the Dangerous Power of Political Pardons

Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn is outspoken about his personal experiences on January 6th and how the consequences from the violent assaults in 2021 continue today. And while in Wisconsin, he joined Maggie Daun, host of The Maggie Daun Show, to discuss the dangerous power of political pardons. Dunn specifically pointed out Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel for failing to condemn the pardons granted by President Donald Trump. 

---

LISTEN to the complete interview here:

---

Dunn was there – on the front lines – when the mob stormed the Capitol.  He says psychological and moral injuries continue to harm both law enforcement and the American public, especially with ongoing denials about what happened that day. He also had to testify during the January 6th Committee hearings. 

“This isn’t just about the physical injuries,” Dunn explains. “The moral injury piles up every day as we see people refuse to acknowledge the attack for what it was—an assault on our democracy.”

Trump pardoned more than 1,500 people involved in the insurrection and Dunn says many of them violently assaulted police officers.

If you’re shocked by what Trump is doing now, you weren’t paying attention before.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn

He’s also frustrated by leaders like Brad Schimel, a candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court, for his failure to speak out against the pardons. Schimel is currently a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge. 

“I am calling out the politicians who continue to downplay the events of that day,” Dunn says. “This kind of rewriting of history is dangerous for the future of the nation.”

And despite claims Trump’s actions and words are simply “rhetoric,” Dunn argues these are not empty threats. He calls it a deliberate strategy.

“What he said was rhetoric, but now it’s reality. And it’s emboldening people,” Dunn warns.

Dunn believes it is not a time for citizens to sit back and ignore the consequences of this rhetoric. He’s urging everyone—particularly those who voted for Trump—to understand the fight for accountability and the truth will continue.

“If you’re shocked by what Trump is doing now, you weren’t paying attention before,” Dunn says. “And now the stakes have never been higher.”