Rosen’s late-night rise online came after lengthy criticism from lawmakers and former officials over a lack of public reassurance from top federal law enforcement officials following the shocking assault on the Capitol last Wednesday.
Acting U.S. Attorney in Washington Michael Sherwin and the head of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Steven D’Antuono, held a briefing for reporters for the first time on Tuesday. They and / or their deputies held two telephonic briefings with journalists after the riot in Capitol last week, but the broadcasting of their remarks was not allowed.
Rosen’s statement, which was posted on YouTube early Wednesday, was pre-recorded. No questions were taken. The video was released just as President Donald Trump was suspended from the same platform for a week over what, according to the Google website, is a violation of his rules.
Rosen – who became DO2’s official 2 in 2019 – took over the leadership of the Department of Justice just before Christmas, following the resignation of Attorney General William Barr.