The DOJ Purge's Latest Target: Prosecutors Who Enforced Federal Abortion Clinic Protections - Above the Law

The Department of Justice fired four career prosecutors who had worked on cases against anti-abortion activists under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The firings occurred just before a newly created Weaponization Working Group released a report accusing the Biden administration of biased enforcement of the FACE Act. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the department would not tolerate a two-tiered system of justice and would not conduct selective prosecution based on beliefs. The purge of DOJ employees extended beyond FACE Act cases, including firings tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Donald Trump. Termination letters cited concerns about trust to implement the President’s agenda faithfully, and additional firings affected staff supporting Smith’s work, creating a chilling effect within the department.

"“This Department will not tolerate a two-tiered system of justice. No Department should conduct selective prosecution based on beliefs. The weaponization that happened under the Biden Administration will not happen again, as we restore integrity to our prosecutorial system.”"

"“You played a significant role in prosecuting President Trump... I do not believe that the leadership of the department can trust you to assist in implementing the President's agenda faithfully.”"

"“The firings came just before the DOJ's newly created 'Weaponization Working Group.' established by former Attorney General Pam Bondi to scrutinize prosecutions criticized by conservatives, released a report accusing the Biden administration of biased enforcement of the FACE Act.”"

"“By later in the year, there had been at least 35 firings of DOJ employees who worked for Smith, including paralegals, finance staff, and support staff, all identified by the same Weaponization Working Group that just released the FACE Act report.”"

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