DOJ seeks 131 more prosecutors for Jan. 6 cases as investigation of Capitol riot continues

The Justice Department is seeking 131 more attorneys to pursue prosecutions streaming from the sprawling investigation into the deadly Capitol attack, signaling no immediate end to one of the largest criminal inquiries in U.S. history.

The request for additional personnel was part of Justice's $37.7 billion 2023 budget proposal unveiled Monday by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

"Regardless of whatever resources we see or get, let's be very, very clear: we are going to hold those perpetrators accountable, no matter where the facts lead us ... no matter what level," Monaco said.

More than 775 people have been charged so far in connection with the attack, though Justice has repeatedly declined to comment on whether the investigation includes the conduct of former President Donald Trump, his advisers or other members of the administration in inciting the assault or seeking to overturn the 2020 election.

More:Is there a link between Jan. 6 suspects and Trump's inner circle? FBI's questions show hunt is still on

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More:AG Garland: Justice does not 'shy away' from controversial Jan. 6 investigations

A federal judge ruled Monday that it was likely that Trump likely “corruptly attempted to obstruct” Congress from certifying the 2020 election.

“The illegality of the plan was obvious,” U.S. District Judge David Carter in California wrote in approving the transfer of Trump legal adviser John Eastman’s emails to a special House committee investigating the attack. “Based on the evidence, the Court finds it more likely than not that President Trump corruptly attempted to obstruct the Joint Session of Congress on January 6, 2021.”

The Jan. 6 committee has no criminal prosecution authority. It would be up to the Justice Department to bring such a criminal case.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Justice will "not shy away" from Jan. 6 investigations that may be seen as inherently "controversial or sensitive or political."

"To do that would undermine an element of the rule of law that we treat like cases alike without regard to the subject matter," Garland said then.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

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