Former lawyer for the D.C. National Guard, Colonel Earl Matthews, has raised serious allegations of retaliation from the U.S. Army following his testimony to the now disbanded January 6th Select Committee. In a comprehensive 36-page memo sent to Congress, Matthews accused General Charles Flynn, brother of former Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and Army Lieutenant General Walter Pyatt of being 'absolute and unmitigated liars.' Matthews claimed that these two individuals misrepresented the military's response to the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
At the center of this dispute lies the question of who was responsible for the four-hour delay in deploying the National Guard as the rioters breached the Capitol. While Flynn and Pyatt were not directly in the chain of command, they held key advisory roles for the Secretary of the Army, making their input significant. Matthews, who previously served as the Chief Legal Officer for the Department of the Army, expressed concerns over their focus on optics rather than security during the aftermath of the attack.
Matthews highlighted his extensive background and close personal relationships with high-ranking officials within the Army and the National Security Council, emphasizing his deep commitment to the institution. He cited a flawed Defense Department Inspector General report released in November 2021, which contained factual inaccuracies, deliberate misrepresentations, and half-truths by Army officials. Disturbed by this lack of integrity, Matthews brought his concerns to Congress and subsequently faced retaliation.
The whistleblower reprisal complaint aims to ensure that Matthews is treated with the dignity and respect he deserves while shedding light on the events of January 6th for an independent investigation. Matthews made it clear that his primary focus is the Army and its adherence to its core values, particularly integrity.
Responding to the accusations, the Army released a statement affirming its support for Flynn and Pyatt, stating that their testimonies before Congress and Defense Department investigators were honest, open, and comprehensive. However, Matthews challenged their statements, pointing out contradictions between Flynn's June 2021 testimony and his transcribed deposition.
Furthermore, Matthews revealed discrepancies in Appendix 2 of the General Assist Committee's findings, suggesting that much of what Flynn said was untrue. He also disclosed that he had cooperated with the committee's investigation and had spoken to the investigative team, who acknowledged the inaccuracies but explained that it was up to the committee to release that information.
Matthews asserted that the committee's focus appeared to be on former President Donald Trump rather than addressing crucial security concerns for potential future incidents. He believes that his disclosure, which systematically refutes the Defense Department Inspector General's report, provides an opportunity for the Department of Defense to reevaluate and get to the truth of the matter.
Although not currently in uniform, as a reserve officer, Matthews maintains his commitment to the Army and its values. His hope is that his testimony and evidence will prompt a thorough examination of the events surrounding January 6th, ensuring a stronger and more accountable military moving forward.
