Ex-FBI Agent’s J6 Capitol Riot Role Lands DOJ Task Force Job

Written by Daniel Peterson.

The appointment of Jared Lane Wise, a former FBI supervisory agent charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, to a Justice Department task force has sparked significant controversy. Wise, who allegedly encouraged violence during the Capitol breach, now serves as a counselor to a group investigating claims of anti-conservative bias within the Justice Department. This development raises questions about the Trump administration’s approach to justice and the role of former defendants in shaping policy. This article examines Wise’s background, his actions during the Capitol riot, his new role, and the broader implications for the Justice Department.

Jared Wise’s Background and Capitol Riot Charges

Jared Lane Wise, aged 50 at the time of his 2023 arrest, served as an FBI special agent and supervisory special agent from 2004 to 2017. His tenure included work on the Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York, focusing on homegrown violent extremism, a detail that adds irony to his later involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. In May 2023, Wise was arrested in Oregon on misdemeanor charges related to the riot, with court documents alleging he entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Door at approximately 2:23 p.m. on January 6, 2021. Surveillance footage captured him inside the building for about nine minutes, during which he reportedly clapped his hands and raised his arms in a gesture described as triumphant.

Outside the Capitol, Wise’s behavior was even more inflammatory. According to an FBI affidavit, he berated police officers, calling them “disgusting” and comparing them to the Nazi Gestapo. As violence erupted, he allegedly shouted, “Kill ’em! Kill ’em! Kill ’em!” while watching rioters assault law enforcement. These actions led to charges including civil disorder, assaulting or impeding officers, and entering a restricted building without authority. Wise’s trial was underway in Washington, D.C., when President Donald Trump, upon returning to the White House in January 2025, issued sweeping pardons and commutations for nearly 1,600 individuals charged in the Capitol attack, dismissing Wise’s case before a verdict was reached.

Wise’s post-FBI career also included a stint as a contractor for Project Veritas, a controversial organization known for its undercover operations targeting perceived liberal bias. Additionally, Wise claimed an FBI informant stole $190,000 from him, and when he reported the theft, the FBI allegedly investigated him instead of the informant, fueling his narrative of government overreach. This personal experience likely shaped his alignment with the Trump administration’s agenda to address perceived injustices within federal agencies.

Role in the Weaponization Working Group

In a striking turn of events, Wise was appointed in 2025 as a counselor to Ed Martin Jr., the Justice Department pardon attorney and director of the “Weaponization Working Group.” This task force, established in February 2025 under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is tasked with investigating claims of anti-conservative bias within the Justice Department during the Biden administration. The group’s scope includes reviewing the actions of former special counsel Jack Smith, who led two federal prosecutions of Trump that were abandoned after his 2024 election victory. Wise’s role, while not fully defined, positions him to influence investigations into what the Trump administration describes as “improper investigative tactics and unethical prosecutions” related to the January 6 cases.

Ed Martin, a key figure in Trump’s “Stop the Steal” movement, was initially nominated as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia but faced opposition from Republican senators due to his vocal advocacy for Capitol riot defendants. After his nomination was withdrawn, Martin transitioned to leading the Weaponization Working Group, bringing Wise on board as an adviser. Martin has publicly praised Wise, stating that his experience as a target of federal prosecution makes him uniquely suited to address government weaponization. This appointment has drawn criticism for placing a former defendant in a position to scrutinize the very system that sought to hold him accountable, raising concerns about impartiality and retribution.

Implications for the Justice Department

Wise’s appointment to the Weaponization Working Group reflects a broader shift in the Justice Department under the Trump administration, which has prioritized addressing perceived biases against conservatives. The group’s formation aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to investigate and reform federal agencies, particularly those involved in high-profile cases like the January 6 prosecutions. By including individuals like Wise, who have personal stakes in challenging the Justice Department’s actions, the administration signals a willingness to reshape the agency’s priorities in favor of its political base. This move has sparked debate about the integrity of federal institutions, as critics argue it risks transforming the Justice Department into a tool for settling political scores.

The decision also highlights the complex legacy of the January 6 Capitol riot. The event, which disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election, resulted in over 1,000 arrests across nearly all 50 states, with more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. Wise’s pardon, along with those of other defendants, has reignited discussions about accountability and the rule of law. For example, the appointment of a former rioter to a Justice Department role contrasts sharply with ongoing efforts by some law enforcement groups to establish a Capitol riot memorial, underscoring the polarized views on the event’s significance.

Economically, the Weaponization Working Group’s activities could have broader implications. The nonprofit Patriot Freedom Project, on whose board Martin served, raised over $2.5 million to support January 6 defendants, indicating significant public and financial support for their cause. Wise’s involvement may further galvanize such efforts, potentially redirecting resources toward legal defenses or advocacy rather than other public priorities. This shift could strain the Justice Department’s budget and focus, diverting attention from issues like violent crime or immigration enforcement, which have also been prioritized under the current administration.

Our Take

The appointment of Jared Lane Wise to the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group is a provocative move that underscores the Trump administration’s intent to challenge the legacy of the January 6 prosecutions. While Wise’s personal experience with federal investigations may provide insight into claims of government overreach, his documented actions during the Capitol riot—encouraging violence and berating law enforcement—raise serious questions about his suitability for a role overseeing justice policy. This decision risks undermining public trust in the Justice Department, as it places a pardoned defendant in a position to influence investigations into the very system that prosecuted him. The broader implications for the rule of law and institutional integrity are profound, as the administration’s focus on retribution may overshadow efforts to address systemic issues impartially. As the Weaponization Working Group moves forward, its actions will likely shape public and political discourse on justice and accountability for years to come.