"Passive Jan. 6 Capitol Rioters Ruled Convictable for Disorderly Conduct"

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that individuals present in the Capitol during the January 6 riot can be convicted of disorderly conduct even if they were passive observers. The court emphasized that the context of an action determines whether it is disorderly, and even non-disruptive behavior can be considered such in certain settings. The ruling came as the court rejected an appeal by Russell Alford, who argued he was passively observing the events. Alford, found guilty of four misdemeanors, was sentenced to twelve months in prison, with the court stating his presence contributed to the delay in Congress's electoral certification process.