LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Former leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, has been sentenced to 22 years for leading the US Capitol attack on 6 January 2021.
U.S. District Judge, Timothy Kelly imposed the sentence on 39-year-old Tarrio, of Miami, for his role in the riot by then-President Donald Trump’s Supporters
The convict was not in Washington during the riot, but helped organise the far-right group’s involvement, according to BBC’s report.
Tarrio had been convicted of “seditious conspiracy” for his role in planning the Capitol riot in support of former president Donald Trump, who has continued to deny that he lost the 2020 election.
READ ALSO: Nigerian-American Juror Attacked By Trump Supporters Following Indictment
Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 33 years in prison in the riot that has so far seen more than 1,100 people arrested and charged.
According to reports, Trump has also promised to pardon most or all of the rioters if he is re-elected president in 2024.
In their sentencing recommendation, prosecutors described Tarrio as a “naturally charismatic leader” and “a savvy propagandist” who was the “primary organiser” of the conspiracy he and his co-defendants were convicted of.
They also said he condoned and promoted violence from others. “He was a general rather than a soldier,” prosecutors wrote.
READ ALSO: Trump’s Campaign Has Raised More Than $7m Since Georgia Arrest – Report
They argued he helped rally members of the far-right group to come to Washington DC and, while he was not in the city at the time, prosecutors said he monitored their movements and encouraged them as the attack unfolded.
As Trump supporters laid siege to the congressional complex, Tarrio posted online that he was “enjoying the show”.
“Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organised, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal,” Judge Kelly disclosed.
“I don’t have any indication that he is remorseful for the actual things that he was convicted of.”
Tarrio was the national chairman of the Proud Boys, founded in New York City in 2016.
