Prosecutors Sidelined After Capitol 'Rioters' Remarks

Two federal prosecutors have been placed on administrative leave by the U.S. Justice Department following a controversial sentencing memo referring to supporters of former President Donald Trump as 'a mob of rioters' during the Capitol assault on January 6, 2021. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel White and Carlos Valdivia were sidelined one day prior to their court appearance for the sentencing of Taylor Taranto, who was involved in the Capitol incident.

Taranto's legal troubles stem from gun charges in 2023 after he traveled to former President Barack Obama’s neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The original sentencing memo, which referenced Trump’s posting of Obama’s address online, was withdrawn and redacted by new prosecutors. Despite this, the recommended sentence of 27 months remains unchanged for Taranto, who was previously pardoned for his role in the Capitol breach.

This move comes amid a series of actions targeting Justice Department employees linked to criminal or civil cases that fell out of favor with Trump and his allies. Over 200 legal personnel have been terminated, many of whom were involved in cases related to the January 6 violence or other charges against Trump. The broader context highlights ongoing disputes over the handling of prosecutions linked to the Capitol unrest.