Two former members of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group have been sentenced for their roles in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly sentenced Ethan Nordean to 18 years in prison, while former Proud Boy Dominic Pezzola received a 10-year sentence. Nordean’s sentence is tied for the longest in the January 6 cases, matching the sentence given to Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes in May.
Both Nordean and Pezzola were found guilty of leading rioters to the Capitol and engaging in acts that allowed the crowd to proceed. Nordean tore down fences, enabling the first wave of rioters to advance, while Pezzola used a stolen police riot shield to break through a window, allowing rioters to breach the building.
Prosecutors argued that Nordean actively recruited men for January 6 who were prepared to engage in physical violence if necessary. They described him as the “undisputed leader on the ground.” Nordean’s sentence of 18 years and three years of probation was influenced by his leadership role and contribution to the events of that day. Prosecutors had requested a 27-year sentence.
During his court appearance, Nordean expressed remorse for his actions and apologized, acknowledging the tragedy of January 6. His lawyer argued that he did not specifically target members of Congress and did not assault a police officer like some other rioters.
Pezzola, like Nordean, expressed regret for his actions on January 6. However, after receiving his sentence, he shouted “Trump won!” as he left the courtroom. Judge Kelly noted that while Pezzola was not a leader of the group, he was a prominent member who had influence over the events of that day. Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but was convicted for obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting a federal officer.
Prosecutors had requested a 20-year sentence for Pezzola, highlighting his role in leading the charge on the Capitol. They presented evidence that he filmed himself inside the Capitol, smoking and expressing confidence in taking over the building. Pezzola and other rioters also violently grabbed an officer’s shield and pulled him to the ground. Prosecutors described Pezzola as one of the most violent participants in the conspiracy.
Pezzola’s lawyers argued that he got caught up in the chaos of January 6 and did not know where he was going. They emphasized that he has taken responsibility for his actions and asked for a five-year sentence. Pezzola stated that he is a changed and humbled man who made a mistake.
The sentences for Nordean and Pezzola come after two other prominent Proud Boys, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, were sentenced to 17 years and 15 years in prison, respectively, in Judge Kelly’s courtroom. Former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday.
What message does the sentencing of Nordean and Pezzola send regarding extremist ideologies and acts of violence
Years reflects the severity of his involvement in the attack and the threat he posed to the stability of the Capitol.
Pezzola, on the other hand, was described as a key figure in planning and coordinating the assault. His use of a stolen police riot shield demonstrated a calculated intent to infiltrate the Capitol and cause destruction. The 10-year sentence he received reflects the gravity of his actions and their contribution to the chaos that unfolded that day.
The sentencing of Nordean and Pezzola underscores the government’s determination to hold accountable those responsible for the attack on the U.S. Capitol. It sends a clear message that extremist ideologies and acts of violence will not be tolerated and that justice will be served.
The statement made by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly is significant, as he has aligned Nordean’s sentence with that of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, who was also handed an 18-year sentence in May. This parallel emphasizes the seriousness of the crimes committed by Nordean and Rhodes, both prominent figures in extremist circles.
As the cases of those involved in the January 6 attack continue to unfold, it is evident that the consequences for their actions will be severe. The sentencing of Nordean and Pezzola reflects the determination of the justice system to ensure that those responsible for the assault on the U.S. Capitol are held accountable for their crimes and that such acts will not go unpunished.
