Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for planning the assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The attack, which occurred as parliamentarians were confirming President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, has thus far resulted in the harshest punishment.
Tarrio, 39, assisted in organizing the participation of the far-right group despite not being in Washington during the riot.
He made the two-fingered peace or victory sign as he was brought from court.
More than 1,100 people have been detained and charged thus far in the extensive investigation into the unrest conducted by the Department of Justice.
The protesters came out to back former president Donald Trump, who still maintains that he won the 2020 election. If he is elected president again in 2024, he has pledged to pardon the majority or all of the rioters.
Tarrio was found guilty in May on several counts, including seditious conspiracy, a rarely used charge of plotting to destroy the government. Since his arrest last year, he has been incarcerated.
Prosecutors characterized Tarrio as a “naturally charismatic leader” and “a savvy propagandist” who was the “primary organiser” of the conspiracy he and his co-defendants were found guilty of. This was how they portrayed him in their sentencing recommendation.
Additionally, they claimed he supported and encouraged violence by others. Prosecutors stated: “He was a general rather than a soldier.”
Prosecutors claimed that even though he was not present when the incident took place, he followed the far-right group’s movements and supported its members as it went on. They claimed that he helped organize the far-right group’s members to travel to Washington, DC.
Tarrio wrote on social media that he was “enjoying the show” as Trump fans besieged the legislative building.
He wrote to the rioters, telling them to “do what needs to be done.”
Trump nominee Timothy Kelly, US District Court Judge, who oversaw the sentencing case, came to the conclusion that Tarrio established a precise command structure and started planning an assault on the Capitol in December 2020.
According to Judge Kelly, “Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, and who was driven by revolutionary zeal.” “I don’t have any evidence that he is sorry for the actual crimes for which he was found guilty,” the author said.
Tarrio apologized for his role in the violence to police and the people of Washington, DC, before he found out his fate on Tuesday. He said, “I am deeply ashamed and disappointed that they were put through pain and suffering.” For the rest of my life, I will have to live with that disgrace.
I was my own greatest adversary, said Tarrio, who was dressed in an orange prison uniform. In my hubris, I believed that I had been unfairly singled out as a victim.
Tarrio acknowledged that Mr. Trump had lost the presidential election in November 2020 and declared, “I am not a political zealot. I didn’t even believe it was feasible to alter the election outcome.
The Proud Boys’ national chairman was Tarrio. Members of the far-right organization, which was established in New York City in 2016, have referred to themselves as an all-male drinking club.
They considered themselves to be Mr. Trump’s foot soldiers and frequently engaged in public brawls with far-left anti-fascist groups.
In court on Tuesday, Tarrio’s attorney said that his client was a “keyboard ninja” and “misguided patriot” who liked to “talk trash” but had no desire to overthrow the government.
Judge Kelly remarked that Tarrio had previously demonstrated little remorse for his acts on numerous occasions.
Tarrio was also found guilty in May on counts related to civil disorder, obstruction and conspiracy, and destroying government property.
His activities were described as “a calculated act of terrorism” by the prosecution, earning him a 33-year prison term. The defense requested a maximum of 15 years.
Tarrio didn’t move as the judge imposed the punishment. Tarrio saluted with his two fingers and waved to his family in the spectator gallery as he was brought from court.
His attorneys stated he intends to appeal.
The ringleaders of the Capitol riot’s sentencing hearings concluded on Tuesday.
Up until this point, the harshest punishments were the 18-year terms given to Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right militia the Oath Keepers, and another Proud Boy, Ethan Nordean, last week.
Last Monday, three additional Proud Boys were given prison terms for their involvement in the disturbance.
Dominic Pezzola and Zachary Rehl, two former US Marines, received 10 and 15 years, respectively.
Veteran of the US Army Joe Biggs received 17 years.
The rioters have been accused of a range of offenses, including assault, conspiracy, and relatively minor ones like accessing a restricted location. Nearly 200 people have admitted guilt to felony counts.
