Good news for Trump Supreme Court makes charges against Capitol rioters more difficult

Trump's supporters stormed Congress in 2021. Hundreds have been convicted. The Supreme Court has now ruled that a certain criminal offense may only be applied to a limited extent.

The US Supreme Court makes prosecution in connection with the storming of the Capitol more difficult.

A decision by the Supreme Court could also overturn numerous convictions of rioters and impact the prosecution of former US President Donald Trump for attempted election fraud in Washington.

The court concluded that the offense of corruptly obstructing, influencing or impeding an official proceeding can only be applied in certain cases to the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Hundreds of rioters have been convicted of this offense, among others.

Possible impact on Trump impeachment

The offense is also part of the charges against Trump in the election fraud proceedings in the US capital. Trump's supporters stormed the seat of parliament on January 6, 2021. At the time, Congress formally confirmed the victory of Democrat Joe Biden in the presidential election. Trump riled up his supporters during a speech by claiming that he had been deprived of his election victory through massive fraud. The Republican wants to move back into the White House after the presidential election in November.

Supreme Court decision on appeal case

Specifically, the Supreme Court reviewed an appeal ruling on a charge against a rioter who was involved in the attack on the Capitol. Among other things, he was accused of obstructing official proceedings. The plaintiff in the case argued that the offense could not be applied to the Capitol storm. Instead, it could only be applied to classic cases of tampering with evidence, such as falsifying or destroying documents. The Supreme Court has now ruled in favor of a narrow interpretation of the law and referred the case to lower courts.

The prosecution in the election fraud case against Trump in Washington argued in the past that the offense is valid in the case - regardless of the Supreme Court's decision. However, the Supreme Court's decision could now at least raise legal questions in the case. Many of the Capitol rioters have been convicted or charged with more than just this one criminal offense. The indictment against Trump also lists other charges.

dpa