Two federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have been put on leave after describing the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack as a result of a “mob of rioters.” This suspension occurred shortly after they filed a sentencing memo for Taylor Taranto. The information was shared by a source familiar with the matter.
Background on the January 6 Incident
On January 6, 2021, during a crucial joint session of Congress to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, thousands attacked the U.S. Capitol. This unprecedented riot resulted in significant damage and raised ongoing security concerns.
Details of the Suspension
The two suspended prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, noted in their sentencing memo that Taranto had participated in the Capitol riot. The memo requested a 27-month prison sentence for him.
Charges Against Taylor Taranto
- Taranto was pardoned by Donald Trump for charges related to his January 6 participation.
- He currently faces gun charges from his June 2023 arrest near former President Barack Obama’s D.C. home.
- During his arrest, law enforcement found him with guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Valdivia and White’s memo highlighted that after the riot, Taranto returned to Washington state, where he continued to espouse conspiracy theories surrounding the events of January 6.
Prior Incidents in the Justice Department
The recent suspensions add to a pattern of significant personnel changes within U.S. Attorney’s offices. Earlier this month, Michael Ben’Ary, a top national security prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, was dismissed following a controversial social media post. Additionally, former U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert resigned due to pressure over potential charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In Alexandria, another prosecutor, Beth Yusi, was also removed after she inaccurately assessed evidence related to possible charges against James.
Conclusion
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the suspensions of Valdivia and White, who have come under scrutiny for their characterizations of the January 6 events as a “mob of rioters.” The ongoing developments reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the prosecution of those involved in the Capitol attack.
