Two Prosecutors Suspended After Describing Jan. 6 as ‘Mob’

UPDATE: Two U.S. attorneys in Washington, D.C., have been suspended following their controversial characterization of the January 6 Capitol riots as a “mob of rioters.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White were placed on leave just hours after submitting a sentencing memo for Taylor Taranto, who previously participated in the riots.

The suspension occurred on October 29, 2023, after the memo described the January 6 events, stating, “On January 6, 2021, thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol.” This memo requested a 27-month prison sentence for Taranto, who faces charges unrelated to the riot, including threats and firearms violations. He is set to be sentenced this Friday.

Sources indicate that White and Valdivia were locked out of their government devices on Wednesday, with no immediate explanation provided regarding their leave. The decision has sparked significant discussion about the implications of their statements and the Justice Department’s response.

The Department of Justice, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, has not provided comment on the personnel decisions but emphasized the seriousness of threats against law enforcement and government officials. Pirro stated, “We have and will continue to vigorously pursue justice against those who commit or threaten violence without regard to the political party of the offender or the target.”

Taranto, who had been pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his role in the insurrection, has returned to his home in Washington state where he reportedly promoted conspiracy theories about the events of January 6.

This development raises questions about the future of Taranto’s sentencing. It remains unclear whether the suspensions of Valdivia and White will affect the timeline or proceedings related to his case.

As this situation unfolds, a closer look at the implications of the prosecutors’ leave is essential. The characterization of the Capitol riot continues to be a contentious issue in U.S. politics, and the actions of these attorneys underscore the ongoing tensions within the judicial system regarding accountability and the portrayal of events on January 6.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story as we monitor the latest developments and their potential impact on justice and political discourse in the nation.