Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the far-right Proud Boys group, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.[0] The sentencing took place on September 5, 2023, and it marks the longest sentence handed down in a January 6-related case so far.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 33-year prison term for Tarrio, but the judge decided on a lesser sentence after considering various factors.[1] Tarrio was found guilty of seditious conspiracy earlier this year for his role in organizing the attack on the Capitol.[1] Despite not being physically present at the riot, as he had been arrested two days prior, prosecutors argued that Tarrio strategically calculated his arrest to inspire a reaction from his followers.[2]
Tarrio's defense lawyer, Sabino Jauregui, argued that his client was a “misguided patriot” and not a terrorist.[3] He claimed that Tarrio went to Washington to protest and did not intend to inflict harm or change the results of the election. Tarrio himself delivered a contrite statement before his sentencing, apologizing to law enforcement, the citizens of Washington, lawmakers, and his family.[4]
The sentencing of Tarrio follows a series of long sentences announced last week for other Proud Boys involved in the insurrection. Joe Biggs and Ethan Nordean received sentences of 17 and 18 years, respectively, while Zachary Rehl was sentenced to 15 years.[5] Dominic Pezzola, who was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of other crimes, received a 10-year sentence.[6]
The judge in Tarrio's case, Timothy Kelly, described him as the “ultimate leader” who organized the attack and was motivated by “revolutionary zeal.”[7] Prosecutors referred to Tarrio as a naturally charismatic leader and a savvy propagandist who had influence over countless subordinate members.[2]
The sentencing of Tarrio is significant in the broader context of the Capitol riot. More than 1,100 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the attack, with over 300 already sentenced to periods of incarceration.[8] The sentences handed down to Tarrio and other individuals involved in the insurrection are among the longest thus far. Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, for example, received an 18-year prison term earlier this year.[9]
The Capitol riot and its aftermath have highlighted the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The sentences handed down to individuals like Tarrio send a strong message that such acts of violence and sedition will not be tolerated. As the legal process continues, the hope is that justice will be served and that the country can move forward from this dark chapter in its history.
0. “MAGA Fury Intensifies as Enrique Tarrio Sentenced to 22 Years” Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/maga-fury-intensifies-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-22-years-1824777
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 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
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 For Seditious Conspiracy” The Daily Beast, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-22-years-for-seditious-conspiracy
6. “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/
7. “Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 22 years in prison in Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy case” CBS News, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/enrique-tarrio-sentencing-proud-boys-leader-seditious-conspiracy
8. “These Jan. 6 rioters received the longest sentences so far” Axios, 1 Sep. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/09/01/jan-6-longest-sentences-list
9. “Enrique Tarrio, ex-Proud Boys leader, gets 22 years for US Capitol riot” Al Jazeera English, 5 Sep. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/5/enrique-tarrio-ex-proud-boys-leader-gets-22-years-for-us-capitol-riot
