Court rules that passive Jan. 6 rioters can be convicted of disorderly conduct

Rioters Convicted of Disorderly Conduct in Capitol Attack

Rioters Convicted of Disorderly Conduct Despite Being Passive During Capitol Attack

In a recent ruling, a federal court has determined that rioters who were passive during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol can still be convicted of disorderly conduct. The case specifically focused on a rioter named Russell Alford, who received a year-long sentence for his participation in the insurrection. Alford attempted to challenge the reasonableness of his sentence and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions, which charged him with engaging in ‘disorderly or disruptive conduct.’

Unruly Mob’s Unauthorized Presence Led to Convictions

Despite evidence showing that Alford was neither violent nor destructive during his brief time within the Capitol, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld his convictions. According to Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, a jury could rationally find that Alford’s presence as part of an unruly mob contributed to the disruption of Congress’s electoral certification and jeopardized public safety.

Capitol Riot Convictions Over Three Years After the Attack

The court’s ruling came just one day before the third anniversary of the Capitol riot. To date, more than 1,200 individuals have faced federal crime charges for their involvement in the insurrection.

Passive Conduct Can Still Be Considered Disorderly

The court filing emphasized that even passive, quiet, and nonviolent conduct can still be considered disorderly, based on established caselaw.

Prosecutors Still Seeking Suspects and Perpetrators of Pipe Bomb Placement

While many individuals have been convicted, prosecutors are still actively searching for a minimum of 80 suspects and the person responsible for placing pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC). The FBI has offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrator.

President Biden Highlights Capitol Attack in First Campaign Speech of the Year

President Biden used his first campaign speech of the year to emphasize the significance of the January 6 attack. He aimed to underscore the dangers of former President Trump and other Republicans espousing a form of extremism that was witnessed by the world on that day.

Democracy and Freedom at Stake

Biden stressed that democracy and freedom are at stake, declaring, “Democracy is on the ballot. Your freedom is on the ballot.” The speech was delivered near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Read More of this Story at thehill.com – 2024-01-06 01:00:00