The Recklessness of Trump’s Police Pardons
President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon DC police officers Andrew Zabavsky and Terence Sutton is an affront to justice. He violated the public trust, and the very rule of law. These officers were convicted of criminal misconduct. They were found guilty by a jury for their roles in the reckless pursuit and subsequent cover-up of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown’s death. Trump has once again wielded his power to undermine accountability. He rewards abuse of power instead of standing by the justice system..
The Facts: A Reckless Chase and a Cover-Up
In October 2020, Hylton-Brown was pursued by Zabavsky and Sutton at unreasonable speeds, leading to a tragic crash that took his life. The officers then turned off their body cameras, tampered with the scene, and misled their superiors to avoid consequences. These actions were not minor errors in judgment. They made deliberate choices to evade accountability.
Sutton was convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy to obstruct, and obstruction of justice, and Zabavsky was convicted of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice. Their sentencing—66 months for Sutton and 48 months for Zabavsky—was a rare moment of justice for a system that too often shields law enforcement from consequences.
Trump’s Distorted Narrative
Trump’s justification for these pardons is riddled with lies and dangerous rhetoric. He falsely claimed that the officers were jailed for pursuing an “illegal” (Hylton-Brown was a U.S. citizen) and that their only crime was going after a “rough criminal.” This race-baiting distortion of facts not only disrespects the victim and his family, but also sends a chilling message that officers who abuse their power will be protected at the highest levels.
Trump has a long history of undermining accountability in law enforcement, from defending police brutality to encouraging excessive force. His pardon spree has emboldened violent behavior, from war criminals to corrupt police officers. By absolving Zabavsky and Sutton, he prioritizes loyalty over law, politics over justice, and impunity over accountability.
The Devastating Consequences
This decision is not just about two officers—it is about the larger consequences of eroding public trust in law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police Department already struggles with community relations, and this pardon reinforces the idea that police can kill, cover up, and walk free.
Furthermore, this discredits the thousands of officers who serve honorably, respecting their duty to protect and serve within the bounds of the law. When corrupt officers are excused instead of punished, it undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement as a whole.
The Role of the DC Police Union and Justice System
The DC Police Union’s efforts to secure clemency show just how deeply rooted the culture of impunity is within the department. Instead of holding their own accountable, they rallied behind convicted criminals. They framed them as martyrs instead of perpetrators of injustice. This speaks volumes about the urgent need for police reform and independent oversight.
Prosecutors and the courts stood firm in their convictions. They recognize that law enforcement officers must be held to a higher standard. The statements from U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and the FBI reinforced this point: public trust in law enforcement depends on justice being served, not circumvented.
A Call to Action
This pardon must be loudly condemned. We must:
• Demand oversight: Congress and the DOJ must ensure presidential pardons are not used to excuse police misconduct.
• Advocate for accountability: Continue pushing for independent investigations into police misconduct and policies that prevent reckless high-speed pursuits.
• Support community demands for justice: Stand with Karon Hylton-Brown’s family and others who seek real police reform to prevent future tragedies.
The abuse of power—from the officers who covered up a man’s death to the president who erased their consequences—cannot be tolerated. Justice is not just about convictions but about ensuring accountability, even for those in power. Anything less is an insult to the very foundation of democracy.
Justice for Karon Hylton-Brown. Justice for all.
