Outgoing Prosecutor Defends Capitol Riot Cases Amid Pardons \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Outgoing U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves defended the Capitol riot prosecutions, emphasizing that pardons can’t undo the convictions or erase the public record. Graves, who oversaw the largest investigation in Justice Department history, highlighted the overwhelming evidence in these cases. As President-elect Trump vows to pardon rioters, the legal and historical impact of these prosecutions remains intact.
Capitol Riot Prosecutions Quick Looks
- Legacy of Prosecutions: Matthew Graves, outgoing U.S. attorney, emphasized the enduring accountability from Capitol riot cases.
- Trump’s Pardon Pledge: President-elect Donald Trump plans to pardon rioters, calling them “patriots.”
- Unprecedented Investigation: Graves led over 1,500 Capitol riot-related prosecutions with a near-perfect conviction rate.
- Strong Evidence: Recorded crimes and social media confessions contributed to successful outcomes in most cases.
- Law Enforcement Impact: Over 100 officers were injured during the Capitol attack, highlighting the event’s severity.
Deep Look
As U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves prepares to step down this week, he leaves behind a monumental legacy defined by the January 6 Capitol riot prosecutions. Graves, who oversaw the largest investigation in the history of the Justice Department, has been a central figure in holding rioters accountable for their actions during the violent attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
However, with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration just days away, the future of that accountability is uncertain. Trump has vowed to pardon Capitol rioters on his first day back in office, but Graves is resolute that these prosecutions have established an enduring record of the events of January 6, 2021.
Pardons Cannot Erase the Public Record, Graves Says
In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Graves emphasized that presidential pardons, while impactful, cannot undo the convictions, the historical record, or the message these prosecutions have sent.
“There is no undoing these prosecutions,” Graves said. “The vindication of the rule of law is something that has already occurred. And no one can take that away.”
Graves argued that the prosecutions have built a permanent public record of the events of January 6, ensuring that the truth remains accessible for future generations.
“There will always be a public record of what occurred on January 6th,” he said. “People who care to know the facts will be able to find out the facts.”
The Largest Investigation in DOJ History
Since taking office in November 2021, Graves has overseen the prosecution of over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Nearly 1,300 of those individuals have either pleaded guilty or been convicted, and over 1,000 have been sentenced. Sentences have ranged from several days to 22 years, with approximately two-thirds of convicted defendants receiving prison terms.
“This is the most recorded crime in the history of the country,” Graves said, highlighting the unprecedented volume of evidence available in these cases. Many rioters filmed their actions on January 6, narrating their crimes on cell phones and posting confessions on social media.
As a career prosecutor, Graves acknowledged that the sheer amount of evidence made these cases uniquely strong. “It’s rare that you have this much evidence, which is why you’re seeing these outcomes,” he said.
Challenges from Trump’s Pledge to Pardon Rioters
President-elect Trump’s promise to pardon those convicted of January 6-related crimes has drawn sharp criticism. Trump has repeatedly referred to the rioters as “patriots” and “hostages” and pledged to issue sweeping pardons on his first day in office.
Graves, however, pointed out that the legal and historical impact of the prosecutions cannot simply be erased by clemency. He underscored the importance of accountability for crimes that disrupted the peaceful transfer of power and resulted in over 100 injuries to law enforcement officers.
While Trump has not clarified whether pardons would extend to rioters who assaulted officers, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance recently stated that individuals who engaged in violence “obviously” should not be pardoned. However, Vance also acknowledged that some cases may involve “a bit of a gray area.”
Defending the DOJ’s Independence
Graves dismissed claims by Trump supporters that the prosecutions were politically motivated or biased. Some have pointed to the fact that only two defendants were acquitted of all charges, citing it as evidence of unfair trials in Washington, D.C. Graves refuted this, asserting that the near-perfect conviction rate reflects the overwhelming strength of the evidence.
“I’ve never seen a whiff of political interference in my time as a career prosecutor,” he said. “I came in during a Republican administration, and I tend to believe past is prologue.”
Graves expressed confidence in the Justice Department’s ability to maintain its independence and continue its mission of enforcing the law without political influence.
The Human Cost of January 6
The Capitol riot caused widespread physical and emotional harm, particularly to the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. Over 100 officers were injured during the attack, and several have since taken their own lives, underscoring the lasting trauma of that day.
Graves said he does not see a basis for pardons or clemency in any January 6 case, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes committed and their impact on the nation.
Graves’ Broader Legacy
While the Capitol riot prosecutions defined much of his tenure, Graves also focused on combating violent crime in Washington, D.C. He highlighted a 35% reduction in violent crime in the city last year, attributing the improvement to collaboration between prosecutors, law enforcement, and community partners.
“Prosecutors can influence these crime trends. They don’t control them. There are a host of other actors that are involved,” Graves said.
Looking Ahead
Graves, who originally planned to leave the U.S. Attorney’s office in 2025, decided to step down ahead of Trump’s inauguration. While he has no immediate plans, he expressed excitement about taking a well-earned vacation and eventually returning to legal practice.
As he departs, Graves is confident that the work done during his tenure will stand the test of time, regardless of Trump’s actions.
“The vindication of the rule of law is something that has already occurred,” he said. “And no one can take that away.”
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