1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I understand that the Department of Justice has requested that a federal appeals judge vacate convictions for members of two far-right groups, the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who were found guilty of seditious conspiracy in connection with the violent January 6 Capitol attack. I find this absolutely appalling. This is the Trump administration’s latest move to absolve the January 6 rioters, who stormed the Capitol in 2021 in an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Joe Biden’s election victory. What they did was shameful and illegal. They were tried and convicted. To overturn those convictions now is abhorrent. The overt politicization of the DOJ, and their willingness to ignore or pardon real crimes while prosecuting Trump’s enemies, is dangerous, unconscionable, and frightening. Congress must push it to reassert its independence and focus on actually prosecuting criminals. Also, please make a statement opposing the vacation of these convictions. Thanks.