DOJ Moves To Vacate Jan. 6 Seditious Conspiracy Convictions

The Justice Department asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to vacate seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, according to filings from the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C.

Prosecutors wrote that the Executive Branch no longer has an interest in upholding the convictions and moved to vacate cases for defendants not covered by President Trump's clemency, calling dismissal "in the interests of justice," according to filings.

Zachary Rehl called himself "beyond thrilled" and Enrique Tarrio hailed the filing as a victory, while former lawmakers and officers, including Nancy Pelosi and former officer Michael Fanone, criticized the pardons and dismissals.

The motions target a dozen defendants, including Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola, whose sentences ranged roughly from 10 to 22 years, out of nearly 1,600 charged in the Jan. 6 probe.

Prosecutors asked courts to vacate convictions with prejudice in some appeals so the government can permanently dismiss indictments, in motions signed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.