NJ House Dems Condemn Release Of J6 Defendant Who Assaulted South River’s Brian Sicknick

SOUTH RIVER, NJ — New Jersey’s Democratic U.S. House members issued a statement Friday, condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to release Julian Khater — who was sentenced to prison for assaulting police officer Brian Sicknick.

According to prosecutors, Khater deployed pepper spray at a line of officers from less than eight feet away during the riots, hitting Sicknick and two other officers. Sicknick, a native of South River, had several strokes in the hours after the attack. He died of natural causes a day later, according to a coroner.

“We unequivocally condemn President Trump’s pardons of those convicted for the violent January 6th attack on the Capitol. The release of Julian Khater, who brutally assaulted Officer Brian Sicknick – a proud New Jerseyan who gave his life defending our democracy – is an appalling miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face to law enforcement officers everywhere,” the House Democrats from New Jersey said in their statement.

“This shameful pardon undermines the rule of law and is an unforgiveable betrayal of all the law enforcement officers who performed their duties bravely on that dark day. President Trump’s pardoning of these violent criminals is not only an insult to Officer Sicknick’s memory, but also sets a dangerous precedent that puts our democracy at risk.”

The members who signed the statement are Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08).

Trump issued presidential pardons for more than 1,500 people charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol – including dozens from New Jersey.

Trump also commuted the sentences of another 14 people, including leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police released a joint statement opposing Trump’s pardons and commutations of January 6 officer assailants.

“The IACP and FOP firmly believe that those convicted of such crimes should serve their full sentences. Crimes against law enforcement are not just attacks on individuals or public safety — they are attacks on society and undermine the rule of law,” the statement said.

“Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families. When perpetrators of crimes, especially serious crimes, are not held fully accountable, it sends a dangerous message that the consequences for attacking law enforcement are not severe, potentially emboldening others to commit similar acts of violence.”

Meanwhile, Sicknick’s family released a statement after Trump’s clemency, calling the decision "an undoing of justice.”

Sicknick, who grew up in South River was an Iraq War veteran. He graduated from Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School - East Brunswick campus on June 18, 1997.

His cremated remains were lain in honor on Feb. 2, 2021, in the Capitol Rotunda, before they were buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

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