WASHINGTON — In an unexpected development, Jared Lane Wise, a former FBI agent who faced charges related to the U.S. Capitol breach, is now advising a Justice Department official. This official is directing a working group specifically tasked with delving into former President Donald Trump’s claims regarding anti-conservative bias within the department.
According to a knowledgeable source who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic, Wise acts as a counselor to Ed Martin Jr., the Justice Department’s pardon attorney. Martin also heads the “weaponization working group.” This group is focused on scrutinizing the alleged targeting of conservatives during the tenure of President Joe Biden, a claim pushed vigorously by Trump and his allies.
The Justice Department refrained from commenting on Wise’s appointment. Notably, this was initially disclosed by another media outlet. Wise’s performance in this role comes against the backdrop of his alleged participation in the Capitol riot, where he cheered on those assaulting the building. He was apprehended in Oregon in May 2023 on misdemeanor charges tied to the insurrection. During the incident, Wise was heard urging violence against riot police, a claim supported by an FBI affidavit and video evidence.
The timeline of events surrounding Martin offers further intrigue. In January, when Trump resumed his presidency, Martin was fast-tracked into the role of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. However, his nomination was swiftly retracted after reservations were expressed by a key Republican senator, citing Martin’s prior defense of individuals involved in the Capitol riots.
Martin is no stranger to controversy, having been a prominent advocate within Trump’s “Stop the Steal” movement. He addressed a rally right before the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and defended some accused in connection with the event. Furthermore, he is associated with raising substantial funds for the defendants through the Patriot Freedom Project.
Initially selected to replace Martin, Jeanine Pirro, a conservative TV personality, took over as the leading federal prosecutor in Washington, while Martin transitioned to his current advisory role in the Justice Department.
Wise, who had extensive experience serving the FBI from 2004 to 2017, was at trial in Washington as Trump was reinstated in January. Trump promptly used his presidential power to grant pardons and commutations to nearly 1,600 individuals implicated in the Capitol incident. Consequently, Wise’s case was dropped before a jury could determine a verdict.