SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — The Honorable Matthew L. Harvey was sworn in back in October for his new role as the United States as the US Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. But on Friday, he brought his official investiture ceremony to the campus of Shepherd University.
The Panhandle News Network caught up with Matt Harvey right before the ceremony began. “I’m very excited,” he said. “To be able to share in this moment with my family and friends and law enforcement partners is really what this day is about.”
U.S. Attorney Matt Harvey
Harvey said it was an honor to bring the ceremony to Jefferson County, “where this community has meant so much to me, and the Eastern Panhandle in general.”
“I know this day is supposed to be about me, but it’s really me celebrating all the people that have been part of my journey throughout this, throughout my career and life, actually.”
His parents, Bobby and Evelyn came up from Monroe County, as did some other family and friends.
“I am a native of Monroe County and I stay active in Monroe County. My parents still live there, and so I’m there often and they’re as much a part,” he said, explaining “Obviously, my parents are the main reason why I’m here and had the tremendous opportunities in life that I’ve been able to enjoy. But being able to share that with people in the community that were there at the foundation to shape my values is really special for me.”
His father, Bobby said his son put in the hard work. “We got him through college and the rest of it has been on him. It’s his day and we’re here to honor it with him.”
“It’s an honor to be here. It’s a big honor for Monroe County,” Harvey’s father said.
His mother Evelyn called it a wonderful day. “We’re so proud of our son. He has really worked hard and had a lot of accomplishments and we’re just so proud of him. It’s an honor to be here.”
Beside him on the platform were his wife Sarah and their young daughter.
In his remarks, Harvey expressed his deep appreciation to his wife and family and said of his daughter,
Matthew Harvey gave his inaugural address as US Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia
who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and in singing God Bless America, “As you can see, I have a small and growing reason to commit myself, along with all of you to public safety. She deserves it and all of our children depend on it.”
As for choosing Shepherd University for the Investiture ceremony, Harvey said, “This venue is not a coincidence. It was so important for me to take my oath in Jefferson County, a place that has given me so much and at a university that means so much.” He acknowledged Shepherd University President Hendrix. “I want to thank you for your leadership for the past 10 years.” Hendrix has announced she’ll be stepping down from that role at the end of this academic year.
Harvey talked about the importance of the rule of law and the constitution. He showed appreciation for those who had come before him and who had supported his journey.
“During this process, I have been overwhelmed by the show of support and have not been able to find the appropriate words sufficient to express my gratitude,” he said.
“And then I had a conversation with someone wiser than me. And I simply asked him, ‘How can I ever properly thank those people with words?”
“He just looked at me squarely, and with a firmness only seen in those certain of the truth said, ‘You thank them by doing a good job.’
“And with that perfect advice in mind, I commit to thanking you all, every day. Guided by the same Constitution that saved the state and preserved this nation in 1863, I accept this role with gratitude, resolve and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to uphold the oath to lead this office with independence and integrity and to serve the people of the Northern District of West Virginia with honor. Thank you for your trust, thank you for your partnership, and thank you for allowing me the privilege. You can count me in.”
Before the audience in the Frank Center auditorium headed out to a reception featuring pepperoni rolls and themed cookies, the Ram Band took to the periphery of the auditorium to perform Country Roads, which had the audience singing along to at the end.
Among some of his other comments during his inaugural address, Harvey told those assembled he was “truly honored” to stand before them as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.
“I do so with great humility, aware that this office exists not for personal ambition but for public trust, and that the authority it carries is drawn entirely from the Constitution and from the people we serve.”
“To the judges of this District, our state, local and federal law enforcement partners, and all who have gathered here today, your presence reflects a shared commitment to the Constitution.”
“Just moments ago, I took an oath, not to a person, not to a party, and not to an office, but to the Constitution of the United States. That Earth is older than any one of us, and it binds us across generations.”
He reflected on President Abraham Lincoln. “At his first inauguration, as the nation stood on the brink of fracture, Lincoln reminded the country that our system depends not on force but on fidelity to law, to principle, and to one another. That understanding shaped the birth of West Virginia itself. This state was forced in the crucible of the Civil War when communities here chose loyalty to the Union and to the Constitution at a moment when doing so required great courage in 1863, during the middle of the war.”
“President Lincoln recognized that choice and affirmed it, understanding that West Virginia’s creation. It’s not merely political, but necessary to protect the Constitution and country. A declaration that the rule of law would endure even in the nation’s darkest hours. The oath I took today echoes the same commitment made by this administration. Lincoln later spoke words that continued to define our responsibility. A government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from earth. That promise survives only if those entrusted with power not only exercise it with firmness, but with fairness.”
“My duty is to ensure that the power of the federal government is used not as an instrument of convenience, but as a guardian of justice. The Constitution I have sworn to support and defend is not symbolic. It’s alive, has breath, and is operational. It restrains authority as much as it grants it. It demands due process, equal justice under law, and respect for individual dignity. Understanding this, my obligation is not to outcomes or headlines, but to the constitutional framework and to the people whose rights it protects.”
“I am mindful of the leaders who came before me in this office today. They understood that the strength of federal prosecution lies not in volume or visibility, but in judgment and credibility. I intend to honor that legacy by exercising the authority of this office with resolute care, firm resolve and unwavering commitment to justice.”
The event was emceed by US District Judge Gina Groh and featured remarks by Shepherd University President Mary Hendrix, US Senator Shelley Moore Capito, and Congressman Riley Moore. Congresswoman Carol Miller and US Senator Jim Justice made remarks via video.
US Senator Shelley Moore Capito read the official Presidential Commission for Harvey and Congressman
US Senator Shelley Moore Capito presented the Presidential Commission to Harvey
Riley Moore commended his friend and told a story he said illustrated the type of person the new US attorney is. He remembered a time the two of them were hunting and Harvey let him take the first shot, allowing Moore to harvest a bigger buck that hunting season than Harvey.
The invocation was led by Rev. Dr. Sherman Lambert, Sr., pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and an attorney himself, who prayed, “Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of the. Loving Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call to bless your servant the honorable Matthew L. Harvey. Now give him an understanding heart that he may serve fairly and justly with dignity and grace as he has earned the trust of the people as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.”
Among those in attendance for the investiture ceremony were a number of local Eastern Panhandle dignitaries as well as a Monroe County Commissioner and his wife. Harvey grew up in Monroe County.
Also in attendance, State Supreme Court Justice Charles Trump as well as a number of local circuit judges.
Judge Groh acknowledged some of those in attendance, including US Senator Shelley Moore Capito, US Congressman Riley Moore. US District Magistrate Judges Robert W Trumbull and Michael John Aloi, Moore Capito, who is the US Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, and Randall Reid-Smith
Randall Reid-Smith sang the National Anthem
from US Senator Justice’s office. Reid-Smith sang the National Anthem ahead of the ceremony.
At least two former US Attorneys were also in attendance, as Groh pointed out, including Will Thompson, who served in the southern district, and Bill Powell, who told the Panhandle News Network the role “was the greatest job ever had.”
“I wish Matt nothing but the best. I’m sure I’ll do a great job. I encouraged him to apply and I think he’ll do great.”
Those speaking told stories about the Matt Harvey they knew as a family man, a hunter, and an attorney who had worked as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.
He was lauded for his work as chair of the West Virginia First Foundation, whose work manages the opioid settlement funds and as as president of the West Virginia Association of Counties as well as his time as Jefferson County prosecuting attorney.
