Tim Reed
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Reuters) – Donald Trump said on Friday that his supporters charged over the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol should be released, citing the Supreme Court. The ruling was in favor of a man who challenged obstruction of justice charges related to the riot — a charge Trump also faced.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Virginia, the former president noted that Friday’s ruling raises the legal bar for prosecutors to bring obstruction charges against Trump and defendants involved in the attack in a federal election subversion case.
“Release the hostages of January 6th now. They should release them immediately because of what they went through,” Trump said as the crowd cheered.
Trump added: “They’ve been waiting for this decision for a long time.”
Trump is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 5 US election.
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court rejected a lower court ruling that allowed charges against former police defendant Joseph Fischer that corruption obstructed official proceedings that rioters were trying to block. Congressional certification of victory over Trump in 2020. The judge directed the lower court to reconsider the matter.
The ruling is a potential boost for Trump, who has filed four criminal indictments, including two charges related to obstruction of justice, in a case brought by special prosecutor Jack Smith last year. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case.
“This is a good thing for people who have been treated so horribly,” Trump said of the ruling.
Trump has frequently praised his supporters convicted of crimes for their role in the Capitol attack, calling them “patriots” and “warriors.” Some of them were prosecuted for violence against police officers, among other crimes.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule Monday on Trump’s claim that the president is immune from prosecution in an election subversion case brought by a special counsel. This is the last day of the court’s current term.
