Former Proud Boys Leader, Enrique Tarrio, Sentenced to 22 Years in Jail for Involvement in January 6 Plot to Undermine Democracy
Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for his involvement in planning the January 6 US Capitol riots. Tarrio, along with three other members of the far-right group, was convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rare charge that accuses them of attempting to overthrow democracy. The Proud Boys, described as a street gang and hate group, have been designated as a terror group in Canada and New Zealand. Prosecutors argued that Tarrio was the ringleader of a plot to use violence to overturn the 2020 election result, seeking a sentence of 33 years behind bars. Despite not being present at the Capitol on January 6 due to his earlier arrest, prosecutors claim that Tarrio strategically planned his arrest to inspire a reaction from his followers.
Before being sentenced, Tarrio delivered a remorseful statement, apologizing to law enforcement, the people of Washington DC, politicians, and his family for his actions on January 6. He expressed regret for failing to live up to his own moral standards and acknowledged that his thoughts leading up to the events were clouded by anger and media consumption that reinforced his beliefs. Tarrio also downplayed his political involvement, stating that he had no intention of changing the election results and only planned to speak at an event in support of Donald Trump and his friends. He emphasized that he wants to distance himself from politics and activism in the future.
Despite appreciating Tarrio’s apology, Judge Tim Kelly expressed doubts about the sincerity of his remorse, stating that he did not see any indication that Tarrio was remorseful for his specific convictions. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is preparing to try former President Donald Trump at the same courthouse on charges of illegally scheming to maintain power. Trump has denied the charges and labeled them as a persecution of a political opponent.
