‘I will not be silent’: Fired Jan. 6 prosecutor sues the Trump administration

Allegations of Retaliatory Firings - Former DOJ official Michael Gordon alleges he was unjustly fired after prosecuting January 6th rioters, suggesting political retaliation [1][2] - Gordon's termination occurred despite consistently receiving "outstanding" performance reviews, the highest possible rating [3][4] - The termination letter cited Article 2 of the Constitution, raising concerns about the justification for the firing [2] Concerns within the Department of Justice - Gordon's former colleagues express fear that political considerations may influence prosecutorial decisions [10][11] - There is worry among DOJ staff about potential repercussions for handling politically sensitive cases [11] - A former colleague's email warns against fear influencing decisions and encourages upholding independent thought [10] Prosecutorial Discretion and Independence - Prosecutors are expected to follow evidence without fear or favor, but political influence could compromise this principle [11] - While some cases are assigned, prosecutors exercise discretion in pursuing cases, subject to supervisory approval [11] - The DOJ is described as an institution dedicated to justice and upholding the law, not merely securing convictions [11][12] Support and Motivation - Gordon has received overwhelming support from colleagues within the DOJ, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security [9] - Individuals choose to work at the DOJ for a sense of mission and the importance of the work, despite potentially lower pay compared to private firms [11] - The DOJ emphasizes doing the right thing for the right reasons and maintaining integrity in all actions [12]