Ex-Jan. 6 prosecutors call for probe of Trump's pick to be DC's top prosecutor
Five prosecutors who worked on cases involving Jan. 6 rioters have asked the disciplinary office governing lawyers in Washington, D.C., to investigate Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney there.
Senate Democrats have already pledged to delay a confirmation vote for Ed Martin, who has been serving as D.C.'s top prosecutor on an interim basis since Trump returned to office, and the former prosecutors have sent a letter to the D.C. Bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleging that he has violated multiple professional rules, reported CNN.
“He has used his brief time in office to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a federal prosecutor, announcing investigations against his political opponents, aiding defendants he previously represented, and communicating improperly with those he did not,” the group wrote.
“These actions are not worthy of the Department of Justice, undermine the Constitutional guarantee of equal protection of law, and violate Mr. Martin’s professional obligations,” the letter added.
ALSO READ: Suspected Josh Shapiro home arsonist arrested after 'evading troopers': report
Martin has used his authority to dismiss charges in Capitol riot cases, fired prosecutors involved in those investigations and targeted Trump's political enemies since the president appointed him to the job, and the letter also highlighted his comment describing himself and colleagues as "Trump’s lawyers."
“Mr. Martin’s client is not President Trump; it is the United States,” the letter said. “His assertion otherwise adds further evidence that his announced investigations are politically motivated.”
The letter was also signed by prominent conservative lawyers from the Society for the Rule of Law, including retired federal judge Michael Luttig, former Rep. Barbara Comstock, attorney George Conway, and Stuart Gerson, a lawyer who held top roles at the Justice Department under presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
“Collectively, Mr. Martin’s actions threaten to undermine the integrity of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the legal profession in the District of Columbia,” the letter stated. “The reputation of our community depends on a prompt and thorough investigation into Mr. Martin’s violations of his professional obligations.”