Supreme Court ruling narrows Jan 6. obstruction charges, similar to those Trump faces

A Supreme Court ruling on Friday limits the scope of obstruction charges against Jan. 6, 2021 rioters, which is the same charge former President Trump faces in his 2020 election interference case.

The high court ruled that the Department of Justice went too far with its obstruction charges of rioters.

According to the ruling, obstruction could still be charged if prosecutors can prove that rioters were intentionally trying to stop the arrival of certificates used to certify electoral votes at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Special counsel Jack Smith filed the same charge against Trump.

Despite the ruling, Smith is likely to continue to pursue the charge.

Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the ruling in a public statement. 

“January 6 was an unprecedented attack on the cornerstone of our system of government — the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next,” he said. “I am disappointed by today’s decision, which limits an important federal statute that the Department has sought to use to ensure that those most responsible for that attack face appropriate consequences.”