Global National Security Case Precedents: Main perpetrator of the Capitol riot sentenced to 22 years

On January 6, 2021, a group of supporters of then-President Trump, including members of the far-right organization "Proud Boys," forcibly entered the Capitol building, attempting to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory, leading to widespread chaos. This resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a police officer, around 140 injuries, and exposed the vulnerabilities in American democracy. Over 1200 people were arrested and charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with many facing charges related to the attempted overthrow of the government.

On March 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the far-right group "Proud Boys," was indicted for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. On March 18, 2022, former West Virginia lawmaker Derrick Evans was charged for his role in the Capitol riot.

On September 5, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia sentenced former leader of the "Proud Boys," Tarrio, who was not present at the riot, to 22 years in prison. This marks the harshest sentence handed down to a defendant involved in the Capitol riot to date. Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right group "Oath Keepers," was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly found that Tarrio's conduct constituted an official act of terrorism and applied an enhancement to his final sentence.

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