Judge Beryl Howell, a key figure in overseeing cases related to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, has expressed concern over the rise of “big lies” and issued a warning about the potential threat of authoritarianism in the United States. In a rare public speech at the annual gala of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, Howell, who served as chief judge of the District Court, highlighted the impact of falsehoods on individuals convicted for offenses during the Capitol riot.
Howell noted that the upcoming trial of former President Donald Trump on charges related to attempts to fraudulently overturn the 2020 election results adds to the significance of the moment. She lamented the influence of misinformation and emphasized the importance of facts in a democracy, stating, “We are having a very surprising and downright troubling moment in this country when the very importance of facts is dismissed or ignored.”
While not explicitly mentioning Trump, Howell quoted historian Heather Cox Richardson’s assertion that the U.S. is at a crossroads, teetering on the brink of authoritarianism. She echoed Richardson’s warning that “Big lies are springboards for authoritarians,” underlining the potential risks to democratic principles.
Howell received a “champion” award from the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, urging legal professionals to contribute to preserving democratic traditions by emphasizing facts in their work. The ceremony also honored Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch acknowledged the organization’s efforts to promote diversity in the white-collar bar.
The judge’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns about the impact of misinformation on democratic institutions, particularly in the aftermath of events like the Capitol riot. As the legal community grapples with high-profile cases related to these incidents, Howell’s perspective adds to the broader conversation on the state of democracy and the role of facts in shaping public discourse.
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