UNITED STATES: A leader of the far-right Proud Boys was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the attack on the US Capitol, while another member received a 10-year sentence for shouting “Trump won” as he left court. Both were the most recent members of extreme rights groups to receive sentences for their roles in the attack on January 6, 2021.
Ethan Nordean, a Proud Boys leader, was sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy, similar to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes’ sentence but less than the 27 years requested by the prosecution.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly emphasized the need for a peaceful power transfer. Nordean described the January 6 incident as a tragedy and claimed he came to serve as a leader to prevent trouble. His sister and wife pled for forgiveness.
Nick Smith, Nordean’s lawyer, is advocating for a 15-21-month sentence. Dominic Pezzola, a member of the Proud Boys, found guilty of assaulting police and obstructing an official proceeding. Pezzola attacked former Capitol Police Officer Mark Ode, and used his riot shield to break a window at the Capitol, supporting a substantial jail sentence, as per prosecutors.
Pezzola’s defence team requested a five-year prison sentence. His solicitor, Steven Metcalf, claimed he was swept up in the moment. Pezzola addressed the court with regret, stating he shouldn’t have gone past the Capitol’s security checkpoint that day.
The prosecution targeted Pezzola for a 20-year prison sentence.
Trump’s falsely claimed that his defeat in the 2020 election was fraud. This led to thousands of supporters invading the Capitol. Even though Trump is leading the Republican race for the nomination to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024, he has continued to make these bogus claims.
The attack injured over 140 police officers and caused significant damage to the Capitol. Over 1,100 people have been detained, with over 630 entering guilty pleas and at least 110 found guilty after a jury trial.
Also Read: 4 Proud Boys Found Guilt for Causing the US Capitol Riot
