The U.S. Justice Department on Friday abruptly fired three prosecutors involved in the Capitol riot cases, further deepening concerns about political interference under the Trump administration. The dismissals included two supervisors overseeing the prosecutions and a line attorney directly handling cases related to the January 6 attack.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the prosecutors received termination letters signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The letters did not state specific reasons for the firings, only referencing “Article II of the United States Constitution.” The Justice Department has not issued an official comment on the matter.
These latest firings follow a series of personnel changes widely viewed as efforts to remove lawyers perceived as disloyal to former President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, several prosecutors working on high-profile Capitol riot cases were demoted or reassigned, including those who secured convictions against leaders of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
Adding to the controversy, Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of all individuals convicted in connection to the January 6 insurrection on his first day back in office. This sweeping move raised fears that ongoing prosecutions and those involved in them could be targeted by the new administration.
In February, Ed Martin, serving as interim U.S. attorney in Washington, demoted more prosecutors tied to the riot cases. Meanwhile, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove previously terminated around two dozen attorneys who had been assisting with the January 6 prosecutions, accusing prior leadership of making “subversive personnel actions.”
As the Trump administration reshapes the Justice Department’s leadership, legal experts and civil rights groups are warning of long-term damage to the department’s independence and public trust in the rule of law.