September 6, 2023
Introduction
In a landmark ruling, former leader of the far-right Proud Boys militia, Enrique Tarrio, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol. The sentence, handed down by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, marks one of the harshest penalties for the riot.
The attack on the Capitol was an unprecedented event that disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory, and Judge Kelly emphasized the gravity of the situation during the sentencing. He stated, “That day broke our previously unbroken tradition of peacefully transferring power.”
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Kelly described Enrique Tarrio as “the ultimate leader of the conspiracy.” Tarrio, who was not present in Washington on January 6, was accused of orchestrating the military-style assault on the Capitol by Proud Boys members and other supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Initially 33 year Prison time
Prosecutors had initially sought a 33-year prison term for Tarrio, arguing that he and other Proud Boys members attempted to use force and violence to impose their views on the country. Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy in May along with several other Proud Boys members.
This sentencing follows another significant ruling last week when Ethan Nordean, another Proud Boys member, received an 18-year prison sentence from Judge Kelly.
Enrique Tarrio, addressing the court before the sentence was handed down, expressed remorse, acknowledging that January 6 was a “national embarrassment.” He stated, “My candidate lost. I persisted when I should have calmed.”
Prosecutors had characterized Tarrio as a “savvy propagandist” who did more harm than an individual rioter, as he acted as a “general rather than a soldier.” Tarrio was not physically present in Washington on January 6, as he was arrested upon arrival and placed under a court order to leave the District.
This sentencing is part of a broader legal effort by the Justice Department, which has charged more than 1,100 individuals in connection with the Capitol attack. To date, over 630 defendants have pleaded guilty to various charges, and 110 have been found guilty at trial.
Conclusion
Former President Donald Trump, who delivered a fiery speech near the White House on the day of the attack, is set to face trial in Washington in March on charges of conspiring to overturn the November 2020 election results. He also faces similar charges in a separate case in the southern state of Georgia. Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for inciting an insurrection in the wake of the Capitol riot but was acquitted by the Senate.
