On Wednesday, the US Supreme Court announced that it will consider an appeal that could impact numerous charges related to the Capitol riot, including those against former President Donald Trump, AP News reported.
US Supreme Court says it will hear an appeal that could overturn Capitol riot charges against hundreds of people, including Trump
The appeal focuses on a decision by an appeals court to reinstate a charge against three individuals accused of obstructing an official proceeding. This charge relates to the disruption of Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election over Trump.
This is part of a case led by special counsel Jack Smith, involving four charges against Trump. The case alleges that the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner conspired to overturn the results of the election and also includes a charge of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
The court’s choice to review the obstruction charge may impact the beginning of Trump’s trial, set for March 4. Additionally, the justices are deliberating on whether to swiftly decide on Trump’s assertion that he is immune from prosecution for actions carried out during his presidency. A federal judge has previously dismissed this argument.
Trump’s lawyer didn’t respond right away to a request for comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to review the charge. The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in March or April, and a decision is anticipated by early summer.
Capitol riot charges and legal challenges
The obstruction charge, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, has been filed against over 300 defendants. It is one of the most commonly used felony charges in the extensive federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Democrat Joe Biden from assuming the presidency.
Up to now, at least 152 individuals have either been found guilty at trial or have admitted guilt in obstructing an official proceeding. Additionally, at least 108 of them have received sentences, based on a review of court records by the Associated Press.
A charge of obstructing an official proceeding was dismissed by a lower court judge for Joseph Fischer, a former Pennsylvania police officer, and two other defendants.
The judge ruled that the charge didn’t apply to their actions. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal brought by Fischer’s lawyers. He faces a seven-count indictment for his actions on January 6, including the obstruction charge.
