In a polarizing move, U.S. President Donald Trump has granted full pardons to two Washington, D.C., police officers convicted in connection with the tragic death of Karon Hylton-Brown, a 20-year-old Black man who lost his life following a controversial police pursuit in October 2020. The announcement was made on Wednesday via the White House and quickly sparked a wave of reactions across social and political spheres.
The officers, Terence Sutton Jr. and Andrew Zabavsky, were sentenced in 2024 to 66 and 48 months in prison, respectively. They were convicted for their roles in an unauthorized police chase that culminated in Hylton-Brown’s fatal collision in Northwest Washington, D.C. The Justice Department had characterized the pursuit as reckless and unjustified, placing the officers at the center of a high-profile case that reignited debates about racial justice and police accountability in America.
Sutton’s attorney, Kellen Dwyer, lauded the decision, stating, “We are thrilled that President Trump has put an end to this prolonged ordeal. Justice has been served today.” Both officers had remained free on bail pending their appeals before Trump’s intervention.
The incident in question occurred on October 23, 2020, when Hylton-Brown, riding a moped, was pursued by Sutton and Zabavsky for allegedly not wearing a helmet. The pursuit, later deemed unauthorized, led to Hylton-Brown colliding with a car, an event that prompted protests in the nation’s capital. The case was seen as emblematic of broader concerns about over-policing in Black communities and the disproportionate use of force.
The pardons have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and activists, who view the move as a setback in the fight for police accountability. Critics argue that Trump’s decision undermines the legal process and sends a dangerous message about impunity for officers involved in excessive force cases.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters have hailed the pardons as a bold stand against what they perceive as politically motivated prosecutions of law enforcement officers. In his statement, Trump reiterated his support for law enforcement, stating, “These officers were doing their duty under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. They deserve our gratitude, not punishment.”
The fallout from the pardons is expected to further polarize public opinion, with protests already planned in Washington, D.C., and other major cities. Advocates for Hylton-Brown’s family have vowed to continue their fight for justice, describing the pardons as a betrayal of the principles of fairness and accountability.
The case underscores the enduring complexities surrounding race, policing, and justice in the United States—a debate unlikely to fade anytime soon.
PIONEER NEWS 