The Uncertain Future of January 6th Rioters: Will Trump’s Presidency Stop Prosecutions?

President Trump’s return isn’t until later this month, but it's already shaking up the Justice Department’s ongoing cases against the January 6th rioters. Over 1, 570 people have been arrested, making it the largest criminal probe in US history. However, the election results are making defendants delay plea deals, hoping for pardons. Recent cases, like the Texas man who smashed Capitol windows and an Alabama man who tried to attack police with a flagpole, are still being pursued, but defense strategies are changing.

Lawyers are now focused on getting their clients on Trump’s pardon list. With resources being prioritized for felony cases, many trespassing cases might go unprosecuted. Justice Department officials, dealing with low morale, are worried that Trump’s pardons might undo much of their work. The investigation, still ongoing, involves reviewing thousands of hours of footage and digital data. Despite the setbacks, officials are determined to continue their work.

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