Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a federal law making it a crime to corruptly obstruct congressional inquiries and investigations cannot be used to prosecute participants in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The case also could result in some related charges being dropped against former president Donald Trump. In response, Devon Ombres, senior director for Courts and Legal Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The Supreme Court just made it harder to prosecute hundreds of insurrectionists, even though it was clear under the law and to all Americans that they wanted to obstruct Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s victory. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have made it clear in their personal conduct whose side they are on in the fight to preserve American democracy. But it’s jarring to see that other justices joined them in this decision.
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