Zachary Rehl, an erstwhile leader of the far-right extremist group, Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The attack aimed to disrupt the peaceful transition of power following the 2020 presidential election. According to federal prosecutors, Rehl was caught on camera deploying a chemical irritant against law enforcement officers. However, during his trial, Rehl consistently lied about his actions on January 6, 2021.
Prosecutors Recommended Tougher Sentencing
Initially, the prosecution had advocated for a 30-year prison term for Rehl, who led dozens of Proud Boys in the march to the Capitol. The group subsequently joined a mob that breached police barriers, forcing lawmakers to evacuate and halting the Congress session intended to certify Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Additional Sentencing of Proud Boys Members
Earlier in the day, Joseph Biggs, another former Proud Boys member, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. “I know that I messed up that day,” Biggs told District Judge Timothy Kelly, “but I’m not a terrorist.” Kelly is also expected to sentence three other Proud Boys members convicted in May after a four-month trial.
National Chairman to be Sentenced Next Week
Enrique Tarrio, the national chairman of the Proud Boys, is slated for sentencing next week, rescheduled from this week due to Judge Kelly’s illness. Tarrio wasn’t present during the Capitol attack as he had been arrested two days prior for defacing a Black Lives Matter banner.
Comprehensive Charges
Rehl, Biggs, Tarrio, and Ethan Nordean were convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy—a seldom-used Civil War-era offense—as well as obstructing Congress and law enforcement. Dominic Pezzola, another member, was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted on other severe charges.
Government Case Background
The government’s case against the Proud Boys largely relied on numerous messages exchanged among the group, promoting Trump’s baseless claims of a stolen election. “Make no mistake … we did this,” Tarrio wrote in one message. Rehl was also reported to have invaded a senator’s office, where he smoked and posed for photos while making the Proud Boys’ hand gesture.
Context and Ongoing Legal Actions
The Justice Department recently charged former President Donald Trump with conspiring to subvert democracy, in addition to his previous impeachment on grounds of incitement. Trump’s trial is set to begin on March 4, 2024.
This sentencing comes amidst a wave of legal actions against participants in the Capitol attack. Over 1,100 individuals have been federally charged, with more than 600 sentences handed down thus far.
