Previous federal prosecutors are strongly opposing the nomination of Ed Martin. for the United States Attorney for Washington D.C. . Martin, who is currently serving as interim U.S. attorney for the district, first drew controversy for backing Donald Trump's false claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election. He also sided with Jan. 6 defendants who attempted to interrupt the counting the Electoral College votes.
NBC News obtained a “Statement of Conscience and Principle" from more than 100 former assistant U.S. attorneys explaining why Martin is unfit to serve in his appointed capacity. The veterans, all from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, claim Martin “poses a threat to the full and fair administration of justice and the rule of law.” They urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject his nomination and “depart from its usual practice and hold a public hearing” on Martin’s nomination, complete with witness testimony, to educate members on his lack of fitness.
The lawyers, stating they have served multiple administrations from both Republican and Democratic parties without aligning with any specific political stance, highlight that Martin lacked prior prosecutorial experience before being named interim U.S. attorney by Trump on Inauguration Day. They express their dismay upon discovering the unusually politicized activities carried out since he took office.
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“Not a prosecutor or judge, [Martin] was, quite frankly, a political operator,” they state, further noting that “a considerable amount has been revealed and documented regarding his initial misdeeds.” These include his rejection of the validity of the 2020 presidential election and the unlawful actions taken by those supporting Trump when they breached the Capitol grounds.
The letter conveys greater urgency regarding Martin’s recent actions as interim U.S. attorney, describing his conduct as characteristic of the most infamous authoritarian and totalitarian regimes.
They argue that "no United States Attorney" should "dismiss Assistant United States Attorneys for charging those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021." Additionally, these attorneys should not face investigations for bringing criminal charges that were supported by over a dozen United States District Judges.
They additionally charge him with posting about subjects currently under investigation or beyond his jurisdiction via social media or public statements. They also mention his direct communication with serving members of Congress regarding issues safeguarded by federal speech and debate protections, along with "misstating fundamental facts" related to these matters.
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Moreover, Martin has directed the chief of the office’s criminal division to initiate politically sensitive probes and has advocated for asset forfeiture "with absolutely no justification." Critics argue that Martin has disregarded significant conflicts of interest by attempting to drop a criminal case in which he was representing the accused, and has reportedly threatened an investigation into a law firm that offered pro bono assistance to someone who could become a subject of inquiry, despite lacking legal or factual grounds.
Martin approached these tasks with abandon and clear enjoyment.
During his "trial" period, he has mishandled the role so badly that it now undermines efforts towards achieving justice and instead serves as a tool for the present administration’s politics, according to claims made by assistant U.S. attorneys.
Click here To view NBC's complete report.
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