DOJ Charges Proud Boys With Seditious Conspiracy for Jan. 6

JUN 7 2022·Updated DEC 28 2022

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Image credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images [via Axios]

The Facts

On Mon., the US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) charged Proud Boys head Enrique Tarrio and four other leaders with seditious conspiracy in the Jan 6. Capitol riots.
CNN
These are the first allegations from the DOJ that the right-wing group attempted to use force to oppose the presidential transfer of power in 2021.
CNN
Tarrio and other Proud Boys defendants previously pled guilty to earlier charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Both types of conspiracy charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Justice
The DOJ's indictment makes allegations that Tarrio was aware of plans to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6. It states he was also involved in conversations about occupying buildings, including Capitol complex facilities.
NBC
Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola are the other members of the group who were charged in the new indictment. In April, Proud Boys senior leader Charles Donohoe reached a plea deal to cooperate with the prosecution.
ABC News
The only other case of seditious conspiracy from the DOJ was brought against the Oath Keepers, and their leader Stewart Rhodes. To date, more than 800 people have been arrested in almost all 50 states for their involvement in the events of Jan. 6.
Axios

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

Bit by bit we're learning of the ties between groups that were instrumental in the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol - like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers - their relationships with each other, and their close ties to the Trump White House. This is a sign that the political attempt to stop the certification of the votes overlapped with the violent effort.

wapo

Republican narrative

It's absurd to call Jan. 6 a "seditious conspiracy" by unarmed citizens who largely committed no acts of violence. The only ones who truly represent anti-American sentiment are those who are targeting patriotic citizens and labelling them as "domestic terrorists".

FOX News