
U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves asserts that presidential pardons cannot erase the impact of Capitol riot convictions, emphasizing the enduring nature of justice.
At a Glance
- Over 1,500 people charged in largest Justice Department investigation
- Nearly 1,300 pleaded guilty or convicted; about two-thirds sentenced to prison
- Graves: Pardons can’t undo prosecutions or erase the truth of January 6
- High conviction rate attributed to overwhelming evidence
- Concerns raised about potential pardons for those who assaulted officers
Graves Defends Justice Department’s Record
Matthew Graves, the departing U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., has taken a firm stance on the limitations of presidential pardons concerning Capitol riot convictions. As the leader of the largest investigation in Justice Department history, Graves oversaw the prosecution of hundreds of cases related to the January 6 events.
The scale of the investigation is unprecedented, with over 1,500 individuals charged for their involvement in the riot. Of these, nearly 1,300 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted, with approximately two-thirds receiving prison sentences. This high conviction rate has led to questions about the fairness of Washington juries among some Trump supporters.
Overwhelming Evidence and Convictions
U.S. Attorney Graves attributes the success of the prosecutions to the abundance of evidence available. “This is the most recorded crime in the history of the country,” he stated, referring to the vast amount of visual documentation provided by the rioters themselves through social media posts and personal recordings.
“This is the most recorded crime in the history of the country,” said Graves.
The overwhelming nature of the evidence has made it challenging for defendants to contest the charges successfully. Only two defendants have been acquitted of all charges, further underscoring the strength of the cases brought by the Justice Department.
Pardons Cannot Erase the Truth
As discussions about potential pardons for Capitol rioters continue, Graves remains steadfast in his belief that such actions cannot undo the impact of the convictions or erase the historical record of January 6, 2021. He emphasized the permanence of the prosecutions and their role in upholding the rule of law.
“There is no undoing these prosecutions,” Graves said.
Graves’ stance on pardons extends to all January 6 cases, including those involving assaults on police officers. Over 100 officers were injured during the riot, raising concerns about the potential implications of pardoning individuals who engaged in violence against law enforcement.
Looking Beyond January 6
While the Capitol riot cases have dominated headlines, Graves also highlighted other achievements during his tenure. He noted a 35% reduction in violent crime in Washington, D.C., demonstrating the office’s commitment to addressing broader public safety concerns.
As Graves prepares to leave office, he remains confident in the Justice Department’s ability to maintain its integrity and resist political interference. His departure, planned ahead of any potential administration change, underscores his commitment to the non-partisan nature of his role.
The legacy of the Capitol riot prosecutions will likely continue to shape discussions about justice, presidential pardons, and the rule of law for years to come. Graves’ unwavering stance serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of these historic legal proceedings.
Sources:
- https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/trump-pardons-couldn-t-erase-impact-of-capitol-riot-says-top-dc-prosecutor-125011500052_1.html
- https://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/ex-prosecutor-worries-trump-could-pardon-capitol-rioters-as-pardon-power-extends-to-local-cases-in-dc/2535477/
- https://apnews.com/article/us-attorney-matthew-graves-capitol-riot-a5126666344b1e98b7dfb3f75a8b91aa
- https://dnyuz.com/2025/01/14/top-dc-prosecutor-trump-pardons-couldnt-erase-impact-of-capitol-riot-convictions/