The Unseen Persecution: The Targeting of January 6th Protesters Who Remained Outside the Capitol

In a move that has sparked significant controversy and debate, the U.S. Justice Department, under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, has announced its intention to target individuals who were present at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, but did not enter the building. This decision marks a significant escalation in the government’s approach to the events of that day, raising critical questions about civil liberties and the boundaries of legal prosecution.

The Government’s New Focus

Matthew Graves, in his press conference, stated the DOJ’s intention to prosecute thousands of Americans who were around the Capitol on January 6th. These individuals, who did not enter the Capitol, are now being pursued for merely being in a restricted area without authorization, which constitutes a federal crime according to Graves​​.

The January 6th Context

The events of January 6, 2021, were undeniably chaotic and violent. More than 2,000 rioters forcibly entered the Capitol building, causing substantial damage and leading to the deaths of several individuals, including a police officer. This was in the wake of a rally where then-President Trump urged his supporters to “fight like…