DOJ Moves to Erase Oath Keepers, Proud Boys Convictions Over J6

Under the Biden DOJ, prosecutors described the cases as historic victories defending democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power.

Defense attorneys for the defendants praised the DOJ’s actions. Nicholas Smith, attorney for Proud Boys defendant Ethan Nordean, said the government made the “wise decision” to seek dismissal.

“We don’t want a precedent that says that any physical confrontation between protesters and law enforcement means a crime akin to treason, such as seditious conspiracy,” Smith said.

Critics, however, condemned the move as an attempt to rewrite the history of Jan. 6 and minimize the violence that unfolded at the Capitol.

Former Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone, who suffered serious injuries during the riot, blasted the DOJ decision.