Trump Pardons Officer Convicted in Deadly Scooter Chase

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday evening a “full and unconditional pardon” for Andrew Zabavsky, one of two Washington, D.C., police officers convicted in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown during a police chase. The decision continues Trump’s pattern of granting clemency to allies and individuals aligned with his policies.

In 2020, Hylton-Brown was pursued by police for riding a scooter without a helmet, a minor traffic violation. The chase ended tragically when Hylton-Brown crashed the rented moped, leading to his death. Authorities at the time described the police pursuit as “illegally reckless,” citing department policies that prohibit officers from engaging in high-speed chases for traffic violations.

Following the incident, officers Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky were found guilty of misconduct. Sutton received a longer sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder, while Zabavsky was convicted of conspiracy and obstructing justice for attempting to cover up the circumstances of the chase to avoid a federal civil rights investigation.

When questioned about his decision, Trump defended the officers and their actions. “The police were arrested, put in jail for five years, because they went after an illegal and I guess something happened where something went wrong, and they arrested the two officers and put them in jail for going after a criminal. A rough criminal, by the way,” Trump said.

“And I’m actually releasing… no, I’m the friend, I am the friend of police more than any president who’s ever been in this office.” Critics of the pardon have pointed to the systemic issues surrounding police accountability and the policies governing the use of force during traffic stops.

Hylton-Brown, who grew up in D.C.’s Brightwood neighborhood and was known for playing football at the local Emery Heights Recreation Center, has become a symbol in discussions about over-policing and community safety.

The decision to pardon Zabavsky has reignited debates over the balance between supporting law enforcement and holding officers accountable for misconduct. Advocates for justice in the case argue that the pardon undermines efforts to ensure accountability in law enforcement, while Trump’s supporters see it as a reaffirmation of his commitment to backing police officers.

As public reactions pour in, the pardon has added another layer of controversy to Trump’s presidency and his use of clemency powers reported DCist.