No. 25-7620October Term 2025Petition Pending
Latiff Thompson, Petitioner v. United States, et al.
Latiff Thompson asks the Supreme Court to review whether his Hobbs Act robbery conviction can support a separate federal firearm conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Case status
- Current stage
- Petition Pending
- Latest event
- Petition pending
- Decision timing
- No decision timeline until the Court agrees to hear the case.
- What it's about
Latiff Thompson asks the Supreme Court to review whether his Hobbs Act robbery conviction can support a separate federal firearm conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). He argues that Hobbs Act robbery does not categorically require threatened physical force against another person or property because it can be committed through threats of self-harm or intangible economic injury.
Question presented
Whether the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’s rule (joined by other Courts of Appeals) that a subsequent panel must follow the precedent of a prior panel’s decision on the same issue, even when the arguments made before the second panel are different, violates the defendant’s constitutional rights to due process and to the effective assistance of counsel, and the right to appellate review of his claim of error?
- Case path
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit / Petition pending
- Area
Gun Rights
Briefing
What it's about
Latiff Thompson asks the Supreme Court to review whether Hobbs Act robbery can support a separate firearm conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). He argues the robbery law can cover threats of self-harm or intangible economic injury, rather than physical force against another person's property or person.
Argument
The case has not been scheduled for oral argument. Thompson argues that Hobbs Act robbery does not categorically require physical force against another person or property; the Second Circuit said it was bound by an earlier panel decision.
Impact
The answer could affect defendants whose firearm convictions depend on Hobbs Act robbery being treated as a crime of violence. For example, a person convicted of robbery and a related firearm offense could face different consequences if the robbery does not qualify under § 924(c).
What is at stake in Thompson v. United States?
The case concerns whether Hobbs Act robbery can serve as the underlying crime for a separate federal firearm conviction under § 924(c).
Who could be affected by Thompson's challenge?
Defendants with § 924(c) firearm convictions tied to Hobbs Act robbery could be affected. The dispute may also affect how the Second Circuit applies earlier panel decisions.
What happens next in Thompson v. United States?
The Supreme Court may decide whether to grant certiorari, meaning it will hear the case. Watch for an oral-argument schedule or another Court scheduling action.
Related cases
Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary materials plus reporting.
- Note
- Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Sep 3, 2026
- Method
- Methodology