A far-right Proud Boys leader received an 18-year prison sentence for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol attack, matching the longest punishment in the case thus far. Another member, who received a 10-year sentence, shouted “Trump won” as he exited the court. These individuals represent the latest members of far-right groups to be sentenced for their participation in the January 6, 2021, assault on Congress, which aimed to overturn Donald Trump’s election loss.
Ethan Nordean, convicted of seditious conspiracy and a leader of the Proud Boys, received an 18-year sentence, falling short of the 27 years sought by prosecutors but equaling the sentence given to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes in May. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power in the country.
During the court proceedings, Nordean expressed his view that January 6 was a tragic event. He stated that his intention in going to the Capitol was to provide leadership and prevent trouble. Nordean’s wife and sister pleaded for leniency, while his attorney argued for a sentence of 15 to 21 months.
Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boys member, was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting police, although he did not hold a leadership position. As he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, Pezzola shouted, “Trump won!” Prosecutors cited Pezzola’s assault on former Capitol Police Officer Mark Ode, including the theft of Ode’s riot shield and using it to smash a Capitol window, as grounds for a lengthy prison term.
Pezzola’s legal team requested a prison term of about five years, claiming their client acted in the “heat of the moment.” In an emotional address to the court prior to his outburst, Pezzola expressed remorse, stating that he never should have breached the Capitol’s barrier that day. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year prison term for Pezzola.
The Capitol attack occurred when thousands of Trump supporters stormed the building after a speech in which the then-president falsely alleged widespread fraud as the reason for his 2020 election defeat. Despite leading the Republican race for the 2024 nomination to challenge President Joe Biden, Trump has continued to promote these false claims.
The riot resulted in the death of five individuals, including a police officer, and more than 140 police officers sustained injuries. The Capitol also suffered millions of dollars in damage. Over 1,100 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, with over 630 individuals pleading guilty and at least 110 being convicted at trial.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
