Trump issued a pardon on Monday for Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who had been serving a 22-year prison sentence for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.Tarrio, 42, had been convicted of seditious conspiracy and other felonies after prosecutors described him as a “street-fighting extremist” who played a key role in coordinating the Proud Boys’ involvement in the deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol. His 22-year sentence was the longest handed down to any of the nearly 1,600 individuals charged in connection with the attack.
In a statement, Trump defended the pardon, calling Tarrio’s sentence “unfair” and claiming it was part of what he describes as “politically motivated prosecutions.” However, he did not provide further details about why Tarrio, in particular, was chosen for clemency.
News of Tarrio’s release sent shockwaves through social media, including a celebratory post from his mother. “My son has [been] released omg! Lord, thank you. Tarrio is free,” she tweeted, accompanied by emojis expressing her relief.
Although Tarrio was not physically present at the Capitol on the day of the attack, prosecutors argued that he played a key role in planning the assault remotely and inciting violence.
