The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from John Nassif, a Florida man convicted for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol at tack. Nassif challenged the constitutionality of a law banning “parading, picketing, and demonstrating” inside the Capitol, claiming it violated First Amendment rights. The charge, frequently applied to January 6 defendants, stems from his involvement in the riot.

Nassif, sentenced to seven months for misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, argued that his actions were non-disruptive. However, lower courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, upheld the conviction, ruling the Capitol is not a public forum for protests.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case solidified the lower court’s ruling, allowing the government to continue prosecuting similar cases. This decision impacts over 460 defendants charged with the same misdemeanor from the Capitol riot.

President-elect Donald Trump is considering pardons for many involved in the riot, though the extent of these pardons remains unclear.