Donald Trump has ignited a fierce political and public debate by issuing mass pardons for over 1,500 individuals, including many convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The decision, fulfilling a controversial campaign promise, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum and raised concerns about security risks.
Recent polls indicate that nearly 60% of Americans oppose the move, fearing that some of those pardoned may reoffend. These concerns are not unfounded; within days of the pardons, two former rioters had already been arrested—one in Florida for illegal firearm possession and another in Indiana, who was fatally shot by police while attempting to flee a traffic stop.
Trump’s relationship with law enforcement, historically one of his strongest support bases, is now under strain. The Capitol Police Officers Association issued a statement condemning both Trump’s mass pardons and President Joe Biden’s separate clemency decision for a Virginia man convicted in the killing of a police officer. The association warned that such actions undermine the value of officers’ lives and embolden criminal behaviour.
The Greek American ‘Guardians’ of the Capitol
Among those speaking out about the pardons are three Greek American officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 riot. Gus Papathanasiou, president of the Capitol Police Officers Association, hails from Florina, while fellow officers Yianni Gikas from Ikaria and Mike Hallas from Athens have formed a close-knit trio within the force. Known affectionately by colleagues as the “Greek Patrol” or “Greek Guard,” the officers share a deep bond over their heritage and commitment to protecting the halls of American democracy.
The trio often gathers during lunch breaks, sipping Greek coffee and reminiscing about their homeland. “We miss Greece, of course,” says Gikas, “but there are professional advantages to working here.”
Their connection to the Capitol extends beyond their daily patrols. The historic building itself bears the imprint of Greek culture—its walls adorned with frescoes by Constantino Brumidi, a Greek-Italian immigrant who painted the iconic Apotheosis of Washington in the rotunda. “Every day, we walk through history,” Gikas reflects. “It’s an honor to serve in a place where Greek influence is so deeply embedded.”
For Hallas and Gikas, motorcycle patrols add an extra sense of pride to their service. “Riding through these historic streets, surrounded by art and monuments, is a privilege,” says Gikas. “People stop us for photos all the time, especially kids. It’s a reminder of how unique this job is.”
Memories of January 6
For these officers, no experience compares to the chaos of January 6. Papathanasiou was stationed in the south wing, Gikas was assigned to protect then-Vice President Mike Pence—one of the mob’s primary targets—and Hallas found himself on the front lines, physically battling rioters attempting to breach the Capitol.
“We saw the crowd growing but never expected what followed,” Gikas recalls. “It escalated so fast. At first, we were alone. The Metropolitan Police joined us when things became critical, but the National Guard took far too long to arrive. Michalis (Hallas) was on the front lines, fighting, as we say in Greek, ‘with the strength of a lion.’”
Papathanasiou, who had testified before Congress about security weaknesses within the force, remains measured in his statements. While he avoids directly condemning Trump’s decision, the association’s criticism of both Trump and Biden suggests an effort to depoliticize the issue. “Democrats and Republicans both need to support law enforcement,” he says. “January 6 is still debated in Congress because lawmakers lived through it firsthand. I hope they’ve learned their lesson and will ensure we have the resources we need.”
Policing in America vs. Greece
For Papathanasiou, Gikas, and Hallas, policing in the United States is vastly different from Greece. One major contrast is the level of respect once afforded to officers in the U.S. “Twenty years ago, people would stop and thank you for your service,” Gikas notes. “That’s changed. High-profile cases of police brutality and calls to defund the police have affected public perception.”
In Europe, many view U.S. policing as excessively violent, particularly following incidents of police brutality and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. When asked about this perception, Papathanasiou points to the fundamental differences in policing environments. “In America, every officer faces life-or-death situations daily. In Greece, it’s not the same,” he says, citing the prevalence of firearms in the U.S. and the unpredictability of routine stops.
Just days ago, Capitol Police arrested an armed man near the Capitol, allegedly threatening Trump’s cabinet members. “Threats like these are part of our job,” Papathanasiou says. “It’s a level of risk that people in other countries don’t always understand.”
As the debate over Trump’s pardons continues, these Greek American officers remain dedicated to their mission: safeguarding the heart of American democracy, just as they did on January 6. “The Capitol is more than just a government building,” Papathanasiou reflects. “It’s a front-row seat to history.”
(Source: To Vima)
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