The Supreme Court decision narrowed the scope of obstruction charges.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed nearly half of the obstruction charges against defendants from the January 6 Capitol riot following a Supreme Court ruling in Fischer v. United States. The court found that the department had overly broadened the application of a statute imposing up to 20 years in prison for obstruction of an official proceeding. As a result, around 60 out of 126 defendants have had their obstruction charges dropped. However, all defendants still face other charges, as none were solely charged with obstruction.
The Justice Department is still pursuing obstruction charges for 13 defendants and reviewing the remaining cases. The Supreme Court emphasized that obstruction charges must demonstrate interference with the “availability or integrity” of materials used in an official proceeding.
The department continues to reassess obstruction charges for cases resolved before the court’s decision.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For DOJ prosecutors and U.S. attorneys as they reassess the charges brought against J6 protestors.
- For Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the Justice Department with integrity in upholding federal laws.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CNN
