Solicitor General Defends Obstruction Statute In Capitol Riot Cases

Insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Documents unsealed this week say that a defendant who was sentenced in secret for his role

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar is currently presenting arguments in support of the obstruction statute that has been utilized to prosecute over 350 individuals accused of participating in the mob violence on January 6, 2021.

Prosecutors have asserted that the charge should be applicable to the January 6 cases due to the clear interpretation of the terms 'obstruct' and 'official proceeding,' which they believe encompass the attack that disrupted Congress' electoral vote counting to confirm President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

Over 350 individuals prosecuted for participating in January 6 mob violence.

Prelogar presents arguments supporting obstruction statute for January 6 cases.

Prosecutors assert 'obstruct' and 'official proceeding' terms apply to January 6 events.

During the proceedings, Prelogar emphasized the severity of the events on January 6, stating, 'On January 6, 2021, a violent mob breached the United States Capitol and interfered with the peaceful transfer of power.'

She further elaborated, 'Numerous criminal acts took place that day. However, in simple terms, the primary offense committed by many of the rioters, including the petitioner, was a deliberate effort to halt the joint session of Congress from validating the election results.'