The Justice Department accused D.C. Council member Trayon White of what it calls “blatant tampering” of the jury pool for his upcoming trial.
A court filing Thursday cited a video posted to White’s Instagram account earlier this week in which he argues for more Black D.C. residents to answer the call for jury duty. He said it would ensure he and others get justice from a jury of their peers.
“I think in America we have to ensure based on my Sixth Amendment right to a jury of my peers to have a fair trial and a fair shake at fighting for my freedom,” White said in the video.
White faces trial for a single count of bribery, which led to his expulsion from the Council.
Ultimately, he was reelected by his constituents in a special election.
In a court filing responding to the DOJ, White’s attorney argues he said nothing unlawful in the video. The filing also accuses the DOJ of hypocrisy, citing a News4 interview with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro in which she said she “can’t wait” to prosecute White’s case.
The government asked the judge to order White to refrain from public comment on the case going forward. The judge has not issued a ruling.
White’s trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 14.
