Tuesday, a federal judge handed down a significant sentence to former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, imposing a 22-year prison term. This marks the longest sentence given thus far to any individual associated with the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
The Justice Department had originally sought 33 years in prison for Tarrio.
Tarrio has been incarcerated since his arrest in 2022, and earlier this year, a Washington, D.C. jury found him guilty on various charges, including seditious conspiracy.
Although he was not physically present at the Capitol on January 6, Tarrio played a significant role in the events of that day. He had organized Proud Boys members, who were among the initial individuals to breach the historic building. Their actions temporarily disrupted the proceedings of Congress, which were intended to count the Electoral College votes and certify the results of the election.
“I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal,” Tarrio said during Tuesday’s hearing. “Please show me mercy,” he added. “I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.”
During the sentencing, District Judge Timothy Kelly said, “Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal.”
“I don’t have any indication that he is remorseful for the actual things that he was convicted of,” Judge Kelly said.
Three other Proud Boys members were also previously found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced last week.
