Justice Department Fires Three Prosecutors in January 6 Cases

The Trump administration has intensified its purge of career prosecutors involved in the January 6 Capitol riot cases by firing at least three attorneys, including two supervisors and a line prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, DC. These terminations, ordered by Attorney General Pam Bondi without explicit reasons beyond citing constitutional authority, follow earlier demotions and firings of prosecutors who secured convictions against extremist group leaders like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. The firings have raised significant concerns about political interference, the erosion of the Justice Department's independence, and the undermining of civil service protections for career lawyers. This purge coincides with President Trump's sweeping pardons and commutations on his first day back in the White House for all individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 insurrection, including those guilty of seditious conspiracy and violent assaults on law enforcement. Interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove have played key roles in these personnel changes, which critics warn could cause long-term damage to public trust in the rule of law. The ongoing reshaping of Justice Department leadership appears aimed at removing lawyers deemed insufficiently loyal to President Trump.