Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the far-right Proud Boys group, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his role in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.[0] Prosecutors had sought a 33-year sentence, but the judge handed down a sentence of 22 years, the longest sentence to date for a January 6th defendant.[1]
Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy earlier this year, was not physically present at the riot as he had been arrested two days prior in connection with a separate incident.[0] However, prosecutors argued that Tarrio had strategically planned his arrest to inspire his followers.[2] They described him as a “naturally charismatic leader” who used his influence to organize and execute the conspiracy to stop the peaceful transfer of power.
During the sentencing hearing, Tarrio's lawyer argued that his client was a “misguided patriot” who went to Washington to protest.[3] Tarrio himself delivered a statement apologizing to law enforcement, the citizens of Washington, lawmakers, and his family.[4] He claimed that he was not a political zealot and that his goal was not to inflict harm or change the outcome of the election.[5]
The judge, Timothy Kelly, described Tarrio as the “ultimate leader” and noted that the evidence supported the inference that Tarrio had organized and motivated the attack on Congress.[6] Kelly emphasized the importance of the peaceful transfer of power and stated that the country cannot endure if the way we elect our leaders is threatened with force and violence.[5]
Tarrio's sentence is one of the longest handed to any Capitol riot defendant so far.[7] Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers militia, was also given an 18-year prison term earlier this year for his role in the insurrection.[0] The sentences for Tarrio and Rhodes are among several lengthy sentences announced in recent weeks for other members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol shocked the world and interrupted Congress' certification of President Joe Biden's electoral victory.[8] It was a violent and unprecedented assault on American democracy, with hundreds of individuals storming the Capitol, vandalizing property, and engaging in physical altercations with law enforcement.
The sentencing of individuals involved in the attack is an important step in holding them accountable for their actions. It sends a strong message that such acts of violence and insurrection will not be tolerated in the United States. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how many more individuals will face justice for their role in the January 6th attack.
0. “Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys Finds Out” The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-finds-out/675230/
1. “Enrique Tarrio Proud Boys sentence isn't 33 years. That's OK.” MSNBC, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentence-leader-rcna103357
2. “Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys to be sentenced in Jan. 6 sedition case” NBC News, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentenced-jan-6-sedition-case-rcna103280
3. “Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Sentenced to 22 Years for Jan. 6 Insurrection” VICE, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.vice.com/en/article/88xv9k/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-22-years-for-jan-6-insurrection
4. “Prosecutors seek 33-year sentence for ex-Proud Boys member over his Jan. 6 role” UPI News, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/09/05/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-to-be-sentenced-tuesday-january-6-riot/5551693936915
5. “Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 22 years in prison, longest for a January 6 defendant” CNN, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/05/politics/enrique-tarrio-sentencing-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy/index.html
6. “Proud Boys Leader Sentenced to 22 Years for January 6 Terrorism – Mother Jones” Mother Jones, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/09/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-january-6-prison-sentence
7. “Dominic Pezzola, Proud Boy who caused first breach of Capitol, sentenced to 10 years in prison” WUSA9.com, 1 Sep. 2023, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/proud-boy-who-caused-first-breach-of-capitol-sentenced-to-years-in-prison-dominic-pezzola-new-york-rochester-enrique-tarrio-biggs-rehl-nordean/65-f7330515-8100-4a98-a439-40c21a92c72c
8. “Proud Boys' Enrique Tarrio Gets Record 22 Years in Prison for Jan. 6 Seditious Conspiracy” KTVN, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.2news.com/news/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-gets-record-22-years-in-prison-for-jan-6-seditious-conspiracy/article_72570622-4c36-11ee-b7bf-bbd23875a635.html
