As President-elect Donald Trump signals his intentions to pardon the Capitol rioters, the Justice Department is focused on securing convictions for the “most egregious” January 6 cases. With 72 days to go before Trump’s inauguration, prosecutors have prioritized felony cases involving assaults on law enforcement, with the goal of completing as many as possible before Trump takes office.

While Trump has promised to pardon some rioters, calling them “patriots” and “political prisoners,” Justice Department officials are expediting the cases, opposing any requests for a delay by the defendants. To date, more than 1,560 people have been charged and more than 1,100 convictions have been handed down. Prosecutors remain committed to defending the rule of law, emphasizing the impact of the attack on officers defending the Capitol.

For many Capitol officials and victims, the prospect of Trump granting pardons is daunting, but they remain determined to keep the memory of January 6 alive, regardless of the political landscape.

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