A federal judge has dismissed charges against two members of the Oath Keepers militia group who were convicted of obstruction related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The ruling follows a Supreme Court decision that narrowed the scope of the obstruction statute.
Ruling Details
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed the obstruction convictions for two defendants, ruling that their conduct did not meet the higher standard set by the Supreme Court in June. The judge also ordered resentencing for two other Oath Keepers members whose convictions were affected by the high court's ruling.
The Supreme Court's decision in Fischer v. United States held that the obstruction statute requires proof that a defendant impaired the availability or integrity of evidence, such as documents or records, rather than merely disrupting official proceedings.
Impact on Cases
The dismissals affect a small number of the more than 1,200 people charged in connection with the Capitol attack. The judge's action could influence other pending cases, as defense attorneys may seek similar relief for their clients.
Prosecutors had argued that the defendants' actions on January 6, including breaching the Capitol and engaging in a conspiracy to obstruct Congress's certification of the 2020 election, fell within the statute's scope. However, the judge determined that the new interpretation required dismissal.
