Michael Romano, a former supervisor at the Justice Department who helped prosecute over 1,500 individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol attack, resigned following President Donald Trump's pardons of the offenders. Romano expressed concern that these pardons might embolden right-wing extremists by sending a message that violence in support of Trump could be insulated from legal consequences. Trump's pardons, which were unexpected in their scope, included leaders of far-right groups and individuals convicted of violent acts against police, whom he described as patriots. Despite the pardons, Romano emphasized the importance of the historical record documenting the events of January 6, which he believes is crucial against ongoing efforts to downplay or rewrite the events. The pardons have sparked significant changes within the Justice Department, leading to the resignation or dismissal of many lawyers involved in prosecuting the Capitol attack cases.

Michael Romano, who spent 17 years at the Justice Department, resigned after Trump's pardons of January 6 rioters, fearing they would encourage future political violence by right-wing extremists.

Romano, who supervised the prosecution of over 1,500 Capitol attackers, believes the pardons send a dangerous signal that violence supporting Trump could be shielded from the criminal justice system.

Trump's unexpected broad pardons included leaders of extremist groups and rioters convicted of attacking police, contradicting earlier suggestions of case-by-case evaluations.

The pardons have caused upheaval in the Justice Department, with many lawyers involved in the January 6 prosecutions resigning or being dismissed under Trump's new leadership.

Romano insists that the documented evidence and historical record of the January 6 events, including videos and court testimonies, are essential to counteract false narratives and attempts to revise history.

Trump has defended the pardons, arguing that those convicted were treated unfairly and were patriots, despite overwhelming evidence against them.

Romano stresses the importance of public understanding of the truth about January 6 against efforts to whitewash the events for political gain.