The Department of Justice has announced an inquiry into individuals and networks accused of stealing government property and threatening federal employees.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, sent a letter to Elon Musk, acknowledging the referral from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and confirming the launch of the investigation.
“Thank you for the referral of individuals and networks who appear to be stealing government property and/or threatening government employees. After your referral, as is my practice, I will begin an inquiry,” Martin wrote in a letter to Musk, which he shared on X.
Earlier this week, Martin announced that his office would pursue arrests and charges against individuals who have threatened DOGE staff.
While he did not specify which laws had been violated or name any suspects, Martin made it clear that the investigation is moving forward.
“Our initial review of the evidence presented to us indicates that certain individuals and/or groups have committed acts that appear to violate the law in targeting DOGE employees,” he stated.
A Statement from U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Edward R. Martin Jr. pic.twitter.com/XlEmzSlbBq
— U.S. Attorney DC (@USAO_DC) February 3, 2025
The DOJ is working closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to move swiftly on the case, with federal prosecutors already preparing legal action.
On Monday, Martin sent Musk a letter reinforcing his office’s commitment to safeguarding DOGE staff after Wired publicly identified members of Musk’s team.
“I recognize that some of the staff at DOGE have been targeted publicly. At this time, I ask that you utilize me and my staff to assist in protecting the DOGE work and the DOGE workers,” Martin wrote.
He vowed that his office would take legal action against anyone interfering with DOGE’s mission.
“We will not act like the previous administration, which looked the other way as Antifa and BLM rioters, as well as thugs with guns, trashed our capital city. We protect DOGE and other workers no matter what.”
As DOGE continues its aggressive cost-cutting and anti-fraud initiatives within the federal government, this latest move signals that federal law enforcement is prepared to back its efforts with swift legal action.