Enrique Tarrio himself was not present at the riot, as he was arrested on his way to Washington and ordered to leave. According to prosecutors, Tarrio organized and led the attack on the Proud Boys from a distance.
Former leader of the far-right Proud Boys organization in the United States Enrique Tarrio has been sentenced to a long prison term for his involvement in the January 2021 congressional takeover in the nation’s capital, Washington.
39-year-old Tarrio received a 22-year prison sentence. It is so far the longest prison sentence that has been given in connection with the 2021 Epiphany Congress takeover. The prosecutor demanded a 33-year prison sentence for Tarrio.
Tarrio himself was not present at the riot, as he was arrested upon his arrival in Washington and subsequently ordered to leave. According to the prosecutor, Tarrio organized and led the attack of the Proud Boys group from a distance and inspired his followers with his charisma.
Tarrio and other members of the Proud Boys were found guilty in May of conspiring to prevent Congress from confirming Joe Biden election as president after the 2020 presidential election.
Last week, four other members of the Proud Boys were sentenced to 10 to 18 years for conspiracy. Tarrio’s sentencing had to be postponed due to the judge’s illness.
Tarrio: “What happened on January 6 was a disgrace”
Before the verdict was read, Tarrio was given the floor and said he was sorry for the events of January 6, says The Guardian on its website. He added that he criticized those people who participated in the Epiphany riots, who called the policemen who defended the Congress building traitors.
Tarrio also said that at first he feared the jurors would be biased. He admitted that he now knows himself that he was biased.
– What happened on January 6 was a national disgrace, Tarrio said.
Tarrio was visibly moved during his speech, reports The Guardian.
– Show me mercy, Tarrio asked the judge From Timothy Kelly.
Kelly, in turn, said that a tradition has been broken in the United States, which now needs time and effort to fix.
– That day broke our previously unbroken tradition of a peaceful change of power, Kelly said.
Sources: AP, AFP, STT