U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves to Resign, Bridget M. Fitzpatrick Named Acting Successor in D.C.

Matthew M. Graves, who has led the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia since his confirmation in 2021, is set to resign from his position effective January 16, 2025. Graves' departure comes after over three years of service, during which time he oversaw numerous high-profile cases and initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and tackling corruption.

Having been sworn in on November 5, 2021, after a nomination by President Biden and a confirmation by the Senate. Graves expressed his gratitude for the role, “Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has been the honor of a lifetime,” he stated, acknowledging Congresswoman Holmes Norton's recommendation and Attorney General Garland's trust, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

In the wake of Graves' resignation, Bridget M. Fitzpatrick, the Principal Assistant United States Attorney, is set to take over as the Acting U.S. Attorney. Fitzpatrick brings over 15 years of federal law enforcement experience to the role and has been deeply involved with the Office's significant operations throughout her tenure.

Graves' term as United States Attorney saw focused efforts on violent crime, leading to the District of Columbia witnessing the lowest amount of total violent crime in over 50 years. This achievement has been partially attributed to systematic data-driven strategies targeting a small number of individuals responsible for a disproportionate amount of gun and drug-related violence. Implemented in early 2022, this involved daily reviews of gun arrests to determine the most effective prosecutorial route.

Under his watch, the Office also tackled numerous instances of public corruption, cybercrime including cryptocurrency offenses, and national security threats. Notably, the Office prosecuted those involved in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, a vast investigation that resulted in hundreds of charges and convictions including seditious conspiracy. In addition, Graves' leadership has seen the Office navigate formidable backlogs of cases exacerbated by the pandemic, restore compromised forensic capabilities, and bolster efforts against fraud and civil rights violations, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Moreover, public access to prosecutorial metrics and case data has significantly expanded under Graves' direction. The employment of a data scientist and the advent of monthly reports have aimed to enhance transparency regarding the Office's activities in the Superior Court, particularly concerning violent crimes and illegal firearms possession. The Department of Justice notes that by the time Graves leaves office, new technology will be in place to make the data transparency efforts even more robust, ensuring a legacy that not only reflects on Graves' past tenure but one that shapes the structure of the Office's transparency into the future.