Trump hires Jan. 6 rioter who urged violence against police in DOJ role

In the United States, Jared L. Wise, a former FBI agent charged in the January 6 Capitol riot, has been appointed to work in the Department of Justice's Weaponization Working Group. His appointment comes after he was caught on video urging a mob to kill police officers during the insurrection at the Capitol in 2021. Wise served as a counselor under Ed Martin, the group’s director, which was established to investigate perceived overreach in Trump-related legal cases. This appointment has raised significant concerns regarding Wise's suitability given his history of inciting violence against law enforcement. Wise joined the FBI in 2004 and worked on various cases including public corruption and counterterrorism before leaving in 2017. His appointment has received criticism not only for his actions during the Capitol riot but also for the political implications surrounding his Trump-issued pardon that halted his trial. Until then, prosecutors had not processed charges against him, which included unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, and using threatening language during the events. Video footage documented Wise shouting encouragements like 'Kill 'em!' toward the law enforcement officers amidst violent clashes. Critics argue that allowing someone with a criminal background linked to the Capitol riot to play a role in investigating the Justice Department's actions weakens the integrity of its mission. The Weaponization Working Group is believed to focus on examining unethical prosecutions and improper investigative tactics related to Trump and his associates. Amidst a political climate marked by conspiracy theories and accusations of weaponization against political enemies, Wise’s hiring demonstrates an alarming trend of former wrongdoers being brought back into governmental positions, undermining public trust in the systems meant to enforce law and order. The organization faces scrutiny over the credibility and impartiality of its approach toward accountability given Wise's past and the concurrent shift sought by Trump’s administration within the Justice Department. Ed Martin, head of the group, has expressed pride in working alongside Wise and positioned him as a victim of governmental overreach, while critics warn that this could pave the way for more lenient approaches toward similar offenders, impacting the Justice Department's ability to effectively carry out its responsibilities.