In a recent statement made just before leaving his position, the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Matthew Graves, emphasized that pardoning individuals involved in the Capitol riots does not change the reality of the events that unfolded on January 6, 2021. He remains steadfast in his belief that the legal actions taken against the rioters will endure in the historical record.
Graves noted, “There is no undoing these prosecutions,” highlighting the significance of upholding the rule of law. He has played a crucial role in leading the most extensive investigation ever conducted by the Justice Department, managing numerous cases against those who breached the Capitol. With his departure and the anticipated arrival of a new administration, the continuity of this monumental task may face an uncertain transition.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to issue pardons to those convicted of participating in the Capitol riots once he resumes office. However, Graves contends that pardons cannot erase the successful prosecution of these individuals or the accountability established through their convictions. “There will always be a public record of what occurred on January 6th,” he asserted, reaffirming that information regarding the events is accessible to those willing to seek the truth.
While facing considerable backlash from Trump supporters, including threats and online harassment, Graves has no intention of requesting a pardon from President Biden. In his view, there is no justification for such action, stating “There is just public servants doing their job and enforcing the law.” Graves has served in his current role since November 2021 and is set to leave office just prior to Trump’s inauguration.
To date, more than 1,500 individuals have faced charges linked to the Capitol unrest, with close to 1,300 having pleaded guilty or been convicted. Out of these, more than 1,000 have received prison sentences ranging from mere days to 22 years. Notably, only two defendants have been entirely acquitted of all charges, raising concerns among some Trump supporters regarding the objectivity of juries within the district.
Graves expressed confidence in the evidence presented during the prosecutions, citing the unprecedented volume of video recordings and social media posts made by the rioters themselves, which significantly contributed to the high conviction rates. He remarked, “This is the most recorded crime in the history of the country,” reflecting on how the amassed evidence has played a critical role in the legal outcomes.
The violent nature of the riot saw over 100 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries as they defended the Capitol building. Trump’s stance on pardoning riot participants who assaulted police remains vague; however, Vice President-elect JD Vance indicated in a recent interview that those involved in violence should not be forgiven.
Graves expressed firm opposition to the idea of clemency for January 6 cases, demonstrating confidence in the impartiality of the Justice Department amidst political pressures. “I came in as a career prosecutor during a Republican administration… I’ve never seen a whiff of political interference,” he stated, suggesting that his past experience assures him of the agency’s integrity.
Throughout his three-year tenure, combating violent crime in Washington has been a key priority for Graves, culminating in a reported 35% reduction in violent crime last year. He acknowledged that while prosecutors can influence crime trends, many other factors also play significant roles.
Looking ahead, Graves intends to leave the U.S. Attorney’s office regardless of the outcome of the presidential election. He plans to take a well-deserved vacation and, while contemplating a return to legal practice, he noted that the timing of such a transition remains uncertain.
