Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Tuesday, the 6th of September, for masterminding the attack on the US Capitol on 6th of January 2021 during President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory’s certification, the longest sentence to date over the attack, reports BBC.
Enrique Tarrio was already convicted in May of conspiracy, Civil war-era charge, and other charges in connection with the 6th of January attack on the US Capitol.
Prosecutors described him as a “charismatic leader” and “propagandist” who
played a key role in organising the conspiracy,
as well as justifying and facilitating the violence of others. Prosecutors have also said that although he was not physically present during the attack, he remotely monitored and encouraged his followers, and helped members of the far-right group to arrive in Washington DC.
While Donald Trump supporters besieged the Congressional complex, Tarrio wrote online that he was “enjoying the show”. He urged the rioters to:
“Do what must be done”.
US District Court Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by former President Trump, ruled that Enrique Tarrio started planning the attack on the Capitol in December 2020 and established a strong command structure. The judge described him as a key leader motivated by “revolutionary zeal” and noted that he felt no remorse for what he had done.
Before his sentencing, Enrique Tarrio expressed his deep regret and made an emotional apology to both the police and the people of Washington DC. He admitted that he would carry the shame and disappointment of the grief and suffering he had caused for the rest of his life.
Tarrio asked the judge for mercy.
Tarrio’s lawyer argued that Tarrio was a “keyboard ninja” and a “misunderstood patriot” who had no desire to overthrow the government, while prosecutors asked for a 33-year prison sentence for what they called a “calculated act of terrorism”.
The judge eventually sentenced Tarrio to 22 years, but his lawyer has said that Tarrio plans to appeal.
Tarrio was the chairman of the Proud Boys. The members of far-right group, founded in 2016 in New York, who have described themselves as a men’s drinking club.
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