A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has ruled that the sentences of some criminal defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot were unfairly aggravated.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled Friday that Larry Block’s sentence improperly included a charge of “obstruction of justice.” According to Circuit Court Judge Millett, who wrote the court’s opinion, interference with Congress’ certification of electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election does not apply to sentencing enhancements.
“Block challenges both the district court’s interpretation of the elements of section 1512(c)(2) and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction.” He also argues that the district court “obstructed justice.” It also objects to the application of a three-tiered sentencing enhancement. It is the administration of justice. ”
The Court of Appeals affirmed Bullock’s conviction, but disagreed with the sentence, stating that “with respect to Bullock’s sentence, enhanced “control of justice” applies to interference with the legislative process that certifies electoral votes.” I judge that it will not be done.”
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Scenes from the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
Although other aspects of Larry Bullock’s conviction were upheld, the appellate court said it “reversed Bullock’s sentence” and remanded the case to the district court for a new trial on the single “obstruction” charge.
Other defendants on Jan. 6 were also sentenced to longer sentences on the same charges, potentially raising questions about their respective sentences.
“Larry Bullock participated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th that forced the evacuation of members of Congress and their staff and prevented Congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election until the next day. After a trial, the court found Bullock guilty of six crimes, including “corruptly obstructing Congress’ certification of the electoral tally under 18 USC § 1512(c)(2),” Judge Milley wrote. wrote. “At sentencing, the district court ruled against Mr. Bullock’s Section 1512(c)(2) conviction because his conduct resulted in “substantial interference with the administration of justice.” A graded sentencing enhancement was applied.
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Mr. Block was initially arrested and charged on January 6, 2021, with only two charges: knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; The other was violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
A U.S. Capitol Police officer stands by a vehicle outside the Russell Senate Building in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 2, 2023, after receiving unconfirmed reports of a shooting inside a building near the U.S. Capitol. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The “obstruction” charge was added at a later date.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., Bullock was charged with attending then-President Trump’s Stop the Steal rally on the morning of January 6.
He then marched to the U.S. Capitol with others and entered the building around 2:24 p.m.
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“Upon arrival, Bullock climbed onto the Upper West Terrace and entered the building through the door to the Senate Building. After exiting, he used an unidentified set of keys to open a series of secure doors marked ‘United States Senate.’ “I tried to open it,” the lawyer said. The office said in 2021.
The Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., remains deserted. (Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Mr. Bullock eventually arrived in the Senate chamber, where he spent approximately eight minutes walking around and looking at documents on his desk. During this time, Mr. Bullock asked others to sit in the Vice President’s chair. “I told them not to be rude or disrespectful, and explained that the mob was rioting.” We couldn’t afford to “lose the IO war.”
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Mr. Bullock left the Capitol at 3:02 p.m.
“During his exit, Mr. Bullock broke up an altercation between another rioter and a Capitol Police officer, leading the mob from the Capitol. In total, Mr. Bullock spent approximately 38 minutes inside the building,” the attorney’s office said. .
