Supreme Court will hear a case that could undo Capitol riot charge against hundreds, including Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against former President Donald Trump.

The justices will review a charge of obstruction of an official proceeding that has been brought against more than 300 people. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory over Trump.

That’s among four counts brought against Trump in special counsel Jack Smith’s case that accuses the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner of conspiring to overturn the results of his election loss. Trump is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.

The court’s decision to weigh in on the obstruction charge could threaten the start of Trump’s trial, currently scheduled for March 4. The justices separately are considering whether to rule quickly on Trump’s claim that he can’t be prosecuted for actions taken within his role as president. A federal judge already has rejected that argument.

What to know

• The Supreme Court decision to weigh in on the obstruction charge related to the Capitol riot could threaten the start of Trump’s trial, scheduled for March 4.
• The obstruction charge has been brought against more than 300 defendants in the massive federal prosecution following the deadly insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.
• This is not the only legal challenge facing the former president. Take a look at some of the other allegations.

A lawyer for Trump didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to review the charge.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in March or April, with a decision expected by early summer.

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