Former Proud Boys Leader Sentenced for Role in Capitol Attack
WASHINGTON (AP) — Enrique Tarrio, the former national leader of the Proud Boys, is set to be sentenced on Wednesday for his involvement in a failed plot to keep Donald Trump in power after the 2020 presidential election. The sentencing marks one of the most significant prosecutions in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Prosecutors are seeking a 33-year prison sentence for Tarrio, who had already been arrested and ordered to leave Washington, D.C. by the time Proud Boys members joined thousands of Trump supporters in storming the Capitol. However, prosecutors argue that Tarrio organized and led the group’s assault from afar, using his charisma and propaganda to inspire followers.
Tarrio was a key target in one of the most important Capitol riot cases prosecuted by the Justice Department. In May, he and three lieutenants were convicted of charges including seditious conspiracy, a rarely brought Civil War-era offense. The Justice Department used this charge against members of far-right groups who played a significant role in the Jan. 6 attack.
Prosecutors wrote in a court filing, “Using his powerful platform, Tarrio has repeatedly and publicly indicated that he has no regrets about what he helped make happen on January 6.”
The Justice Department has also recently charged Donald Trump with conspiring to subvert American democracy, accusing him of plotting to overturn the election results. The Tarrio case, along with hundreds of others, serves as a reminder of the violent chaos fueled by Trump’s false claims about the election and the extent to which his rhetoric inspired right-wing extremists.
Trump, who is currently the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 nomination, maintains his innocence. His trial is scheduled for March 4.
Prosecutors have recommended a 33-year prison sentence for Tarrio, nearly twice as long as the harshest punishment handed down so far in the Jan. 6 prosecution. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly will have the final say on Tarrio’s sentence, as well as the separate sentencing of former Proud Boys chapter leader Ethan Nordean.
Tarrio, Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl were all convicted of seditious conspiracy. Another Proud Boys member, Dominic Pezzola, was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of other serious charges.
Tarrio’s lawyers have denied that the Proud Boys had any plan to attack the Capitol, arguing that Tarrio is being used as a scapegoat for Trump. They emphasized Tarrio’s history of cooperating with law enforcement and urged the judge to consider his positive contributions to the community.
More than 1,100 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol attack, with over 600 already sentenced to terms of imprisonment.
The sentencing of Tarrio and other Proud Boys members serves as a stark reminder of the violent consequences of the Jan. 6 attack and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
Why is the Justice Department seeking a substantial sentence of 33 years for Tarrio, and what does this say about the seriousness of his involvement in the events of January 6
O remorse for his actions and remains dedicated to the cause of overturning the election results. He continues to pose a significant threat to the community and the democratic process.”
The sentencing of Tarrio is seen as a significant moment in the prosecution of those involved in the Capitol attack. As the former national leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, Tarrio played a prominent role in organizing and inciting the violence that unfolded on January 6, 2021.
According to prosecutors, Tarrio used his influence and charisma to rally his followers and encourage them to take part in the attack on the Capitol. They argue that his actions were aimed at keeping Donald Trump in power, despite the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election.
In May, Tarrio and three of his lieutenants were convicted of charges including seditious conspiracy, an offense that has rarely been brought forth since the Civil War era. This charge has been used by the Justice Department to target members of far-right groups who were involved in the attack.
The prosecutors are seeking a substantial sentence of 33 years for Tarrio, highlighting the seriousness of his involvement in the events of January 6. They argue that his continued commitment to overthrowing the election results and his lack of remorse make him a significant threat to the community and the democratic process.
The sentencing of Tarrio serves as a reminder that those involved in the Capitol attack will be held accountable for their actions. As the Justice Department continues to pursue cases against individuals responsible for the violence, this sentencing highlights the gravity of the crimes committed and the determination to seek appropriate punishment for those involved.
Justice served. It’s imperative that those who threaten democracy and incite violence are held accountable for their actions.
Glad to see the consequences for those who try to undermine our democratic process and endanger the safety of our nation.