A federal judge has commended two prosecutors placed on administrative leave after they labeled the January 6 Capitol attack as a ‘mob of rioters.’ Judge Carl Nichols praised Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White during a recent sentencing hearing for January 6 defendant Taylor Taranto.
Judge Commends Prosecutors for Handling January 6 Cases
During the hearing, Nichols expressed admiration for Valdivia and White, stating they are among the most skilled attorneys he had encountered. Their efforts were highlighted in a sentencing memo filed just days prior, detailing Taranto’s involvement in the 2021 Capitol riots.
Details of the Case
The memo described how “thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol” on January 6, 2021. It also identified Taranto’s role in entering the Capitol building amid the chaos.
Prosecutors Placed on Administrative Leave
Shortly after filing their memo, sources indicated that Valdivia and White were put on administrative leave due to their characterization of the January 6 events. This incident has raised questions about the implications of how federal prosecutors address the Capitol riots.
Sentencing of Taylor Taranto
- Defendant: Taylor Taranto
- Original Riot Incident: January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol
- Subsequent Arrest: Near Barack Obama’s residence in Washington, D.C. (2023)
- Charges: Gun possession and related offenses
- Sentence: 21 months (time served), plus 36 months supervised release
- Additional Requirements: Drug testing and mental health assessment
Despite receiving a pardon from former President Trump for his behavior related to January 6, this did not apply to Taranto’s 2023 arrest involving firearms. During the hearing, Judge Nichols condemned this recent conduct and imposed the appropriate sentence.
Valdivia and White remained silent as spectators in the courtroom after the hearing. Their future, following this incident, remains uncertain as the legal community watches closely.
