Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys group, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the plot to keep Donald Trump in power after the 2020 election. The sentence, handed down on Tuesday, is the longest yet in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack, surpassing the previous 18-year terms given to fellow Proud Boy Ethan Nordean and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.
Tarrio was convicted in May of seditious conspiracy and other charges, marking one of the most significant prosecutions in the investigation. Although he was not present at the Capitol on January 6—having been arrested and ordered to leave Washington beforehand—prosecutors demonstrated that he organised and directed the attack from afar.
In court, Tarrio expressed remorse, calling the events of January 6 a “national embarrassment” and crediting police officers for their bravery. He acknowledged that Trump lost to Joe Biden and blamed himself for actions that led to his imprisonment. “Please show me mercy,” he pleaded with the judge. “I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.”
Judge Timothy Kelly, however, said he saw no indication of genuine remorse and noted the need to send a strong signal. Prosecutors had sought a 33-year term, citing Tarrio’s lack of regret and his role in fuelling the chaos that led to the attack, which left nine people dead, including suicides among law enforcement.
Tarrio’s lawyers argued that he was made a scapegoat for Trump and highlighted his history of cooperating with law enforcement. They noted that Tarrio had worked undercover after a 2012 fraud accusation. However, the court records also showed that Tarrio posted encouraging messages during the riot, including a picture of rioters in the Senate chamber captioned “1776”.
More than 1,100 people have been charged in relation to the Capitol attack, with over 600 sentenced, more than half receiving prison terms. The case stands as a stark reminder of the violence fuelled by Trump’s false claims of election fraud.
