A significant development unfolded in the case of January 6 defendant Ryan Zink on April 9, 2025, when Chief Judge James E. Boasberg granted a motion to lift a protective order restricting access to over 8 million files related to the Capitol events. Zink’s attorney, Roger Roots, argued that the public deserved access to this evidence, which had been withheld for over four years. The ruling was seen as a breakthrough for transparency, potentially allowing new insights into the January 6 narrative.
However, the Department of Justice quickly responded, with prosecutor Jennifer Blackwell filing a motion to reverse the decision, citing concerns over the release of sensitive materials. The back-and-forth has reignited discussions about the handling of January 6 cases and the balance between public access and legal constraints. Supporters of Zink view the ruling as a step toward truth, while critics argue it risks complicating ongoing investigations. The outcome remains uncertain as the court considers the DOJ’s latest motion.
