By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following President Trump’s attempt to revise the narrative surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack, a Department of Justice database detailing the extensive criminal charges and convictions related to the event was removed from its website. This searchable database, cataloging the largest criminal investigation in modern DOJ history, disappeared concurrently with Trump’s pardons and efforts to dismiss cases. The removal, celebrated by those convicted, coincided with the silencing of related FBI information, including a “Most Wanted” list of Capitol rioters. While some information remains accessible through alternative sources like court records and press releases, thousands of pages from the database are now unavailable. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to obscure the scale of the January 6th attacks.
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The attempt to erase the January 6th insurrection from public memory is deeply unsettling. It’s not just about pardons; it’s about a concerted effort to scrub the internet clean of evidence documenting the crimes committed that day. This isn’t simply a matter of political posturing; it represents a systematic attempt to rewrite history, to diminish the severity of the attack, and ultimately, to absolve those involved of responsibility.
The pardons themselves, granted to individuals involved in violent acts, are a blatant disregard for the rule of law. These weren’t “minor incidents,” as some have claimed; they were acts of violence, vandalism, and assault against law enforcement and government property, resulting in significant damage and injury, including death and lasting psychological trauma for many officers. This whitewashing of serious crimes sends a chilling message, suggesting that such actions will not face consequences, further encouraging future acts of extremism.
The effort to remove evidence from the internet is a parallel attempt at historical revisionism. The sheer volume of video and photographic evidence from that day, readily available online, captured the scale of the violence and the chaotic nature of the event. The attempt to suppress this evidence demonstrates a calculated effort to control the narrative and obscure the truth, mirroring tactics seen in authoritarian regimes. This isn’t about protecting the reputations of individuals; it’s about protecting a larger political narrative at the expense of truth and accountability.
The argument that the January 6th investigation was “politicized” rings hollow. The events themselves were inherently political, an attempted disruption of a democratic process. The subsequent investigation was designed to uncover the truth surrounding this unprecedented attack on the Capitol. The effort to discredit the investigation and its findings only further strengthens the perception that a deliberate attempt is underway to cover up the reality of what happened.
This concerted effort raises serious concerns about the future of truth and accountability in our society. The ease with which those involved in serious crimes can be pardoned, coupled with the systematic removal of evidence online, creates a dangerous precedent. It suggests that powerful individuals can evade responsibility for their actions by controlling the narrative and silencing dissenting voices. This is profoundly anti-democratic and undermines the fundamental principles of justice.
It’s not just about the January 6th events; it’s about the broader implications for our understanding of history, our trust in institutions, and the very fabric of our democracy. If those in power can so easily erase the evidence of their actions and pardon those who committed crimes against the state, it creates a frighteningly unstable foundation for the future. The fact that this is happening while claims are being made of protecting the integrity of justice is particularly galling.
The implications are far-reaching. If the digital record of events can be erased, what stops future attempts to distort history and minimize past atrocities? What message does this send to extremist groups, emboldening them in their beliefs and actions? The implications extend beyond those directly involved, affecting the entire nation and setting a troubling example for future generations. The future of American democracy, built on truth and accountability, is hanging in the balance.
The effort to control the narrative is a clear threat to free speech and the free press. The attempt to scrub the internet clean isn’t just about silencing dissenters; it’s about erasing the very existence of the event and its consequences. This silencing of voices and information poses a threat to both individual freedoms and the collective understanding of the past, a critical component of learning and adapting to challenges. Ignoring the historical lessons that should be learned is a recipe for future disasters.
What is most striking is the blatant hypocrisy of those who claim to champion American values while simultaneously engaging in actions directly at odds with them. The very principles of truth, justice, and accountability are being compromised in the pursuit of a political agenda. The actions taken to cover up the January 6th events are not just a matter of partisan politics; they are a matter of national security and concern for the integrity of the American experiment. The ongoing efforts to erase these events are a direct threat to democratic values and must be resisted.