A former FBI agent accused of egging on rioters to assault police through the Jan. 6, 2021 riot on the U.S. Capitol is now serving within the Justice Division as a part of the so-called “Weaponization Working Group,” sources aware of the appointment confirmed to ABC Information.
Jared Smart was on trial when he was pardoned as a part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping series of pardons and commutations for almost all the greater than 1,500 people charged in reference to the Capitol assault.
In accordance with sources, Smart is now serving within the division as an investigator and counselor to Ed Martin, the previous interim D.C. U.S. Legal professional, whose everlasting nomination to the put up was rejected by Republican senators involved over his previous vocal advocacy for Jan. 6 rioters and different controversial actions he took in Trump’s first 4 months in workplace.
Supporters of President Trump storm the US Capitol constructing. (Picture by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Submit through Getty Pictures)
The Washington Submit through Getty Pictures, FILE
The New York Instances first reported Smart’s appointment on the DOJ.
Smart was charged in Might 2023 and later indicted, with prosecutors pointing to movies displaying him yelling “Kill ’em!” repeatedly as rioters attacked police exterior of the Capitol constructing. He additionally allegedly entered the constructing for roughly 9 minutes after which continued shouting at police.
“You guys are disgusting,” Smart allegedly mentioned in physique digital camera footage recorded by legislation enforcement. “I’m former legislation enforcement. You’re disgusting. You’re the Nazi. You’re the Gestapo. You’ll be able to’t see it. . . . Disgrace on you! Disgrace on you! Disgrace on you!”
A Justice Division spokesperson declined to remark when requested about Smart’s appointment. Martin additionally didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
