Matthew Graves resigns from key role in Jan. 6 prosecutions
- Matthew Graves will resign as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia on January 16.
- He oversaw the largest investigation in Department of Justice history related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Graves' resignation reflects the customary transition in U.S. Attorney's Offices as a new president takes office.
In the United States, Matthew Graves, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has announced his resignation, effective January 16. Graves, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, played a crucial role in prosecuting numerous defendants involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. During his tenure, he presided over the most extensive investigation carried out by the Department of Justice concerning this unprecedented event that led to nearly 1,600 individuals being charged. Despite facing criticism from both political sides regarding crime rates in Washington D.C., which saw notable spikes during the pandemic, Graves succeeded in implementing significant crime reduction initiatives. His office tackled the backlog of felony cases caused by the pandemic, clearing over a thousand such cases by 2023. As per the Office of the Attorney General, the District is projected to experience the least amount of total violent crime in over 50 years in 2024. Graves expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, viewing his role as a significant honor, and acknowledged the historic challenges faced during his time in office. His resignation comes shortly before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, aligning with the typical transition of leadership that occurs within U.S. Attorney's Offices at the start of a new presidential term. Following his departure, Bridget M. Fitzpatrick, who has been serving as Principal Assistant United States Attorney, will transition to the role of Acting U.S. Attorney. The aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack remains a central issue in U.S. politics, with Trump indicating plans to pardon many individuals charged in relation to the riot. This politically charged environment and the ongoing discourse surrounding the events of January 6 create a complex backdrop for Graves' resignation. As he steps down, the future handling of these prosecutions and their implications will likely continue to prompt discussions across the country.