Supreme Court limits obstruction charges against January 6 rioters

The Supreme Court ruled that the Justice Department overstepped by charging hundreds of people who rioted at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, with obstruction in a decision that could force prosecutors to reopen at least some of those cases. A former Pennsylvania police officer who rioted at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, challenged federal obstruction charges filed against him. Prosecutors said the charge should apply to the January 6 cases because the plain meaning of the words “obstruct” an “official proceeding” covers the attack. Some 350 rioters were charged with the crime, which can add up to 20 years in prison.