A jury in Washington, D.C., has found four members of the Proud Boys guilty of seditious conspiracy for their parts in the January 6 riot. However, the fifth person on trial was not found guilty of this serious charge at this time. Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola faced a range of felony charges.
These Charges Included:
- Three separate conspiracy charges.
- Tampering with evidence.
- Obstructing the Electoral College.
- Aiding and abetting.
- Destruction of government property.
- Obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder.
- Conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging any duties.
- Obstruction of an official proceeding.
Tarrio is the Proud Boys’ longtime chairman. Pezzola has not been found to have any connection with the far-right group. Nor has he participated in any of the Proud Boys’ group chats. Moreover, Pezzola was the only person found guilty of assaulting officers.
Partial Verdict
Judge Timothy Kelly sent the jury back to further deliberate after he read the partial verdict.
The Proud Boys used force and preplanned the event to hinder the 2020 presidential election certification. During the trial, prosecutors argued the defendants had conspired to use unlawful force to keep Trump in office. On Jan. 6, 2021, a large crowd congregated outside of the White House. A short time later, tension rose causing mass hostility and destruction.
Fought for Trump
Tarrio took to social media and message groups to talk about a “civil war” after the election, accused investigators. Additionally, they accuse the Proud Boys leader of threatening, “No Trump…No peace. No Quarter.”
The government believes the Proud Boys leaders and followers see themselves as “a fighting force” who battled on Trump’s behalf. Now, the defendant could see a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. More charges are expected once the jury finishes deliberation.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CBS News: Proud Boys members, ex-leader Enrique Tarrio guilty in seditious conspiracy trial
CNN: Four Proud Boys members found guilty of seditious conspiracy
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Anthony Crider‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Brett Davis’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
