Lead Jan. 6 Prosecutor Resigns, Cites Impact of Trump Pardons

Washington D.C. - Greg Rosen, the lead federal prosecutor responsible for overseeing the Justice Department's prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, has resigned from his position. Rosen's departure comes after years of dedicated service and amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the events of that day.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News' Scott MacFarlane, Rosen spoke publicly for the first time about the complexities of prosecuting cases stemming from the January 6th riot. He emphasized the significant challenges posed by the potential for presidential pardons, particularly those potentially granted by former President Donald Trump.

"The possibility of pardons introduces a layer of uncertainty and complexity to these cases," Rosen stated. "It affects not only the legal strategies we employ but also the morale of the prosecution team and the victims seeking justice." Rosen did not explicitly state that the possibility of future pardons was the sole reason for his departure, but he acknowledged its considerable influence on his decision.

The Justice Department has not yet announced a replacement for Rosen. His resignation leaves a significant void in the leadership of the January 6th prosecution efforts, raising concerns about potential delays or changes in strategy as the cases move forward. Legal experts are closely watching to see who will be appointed to fill this critical role and how it will impact the pursuit of justice related to the Capitol attack.