Thirty-eight-year-old Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, was arrested on March 8 in Miami, Fla. The leader of the white supremacist group was indicted for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
The Washington Post reported that Tarrio was charged with conspiring with several Proud Boy members and MAGA followers who committed the attack on Congress, where five people died. He is also reportedly affiliated with another racist group, the Oath Keepers. The actions of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers resulted in more than 100 officers being injured, in addition to the five deaths.
The founder of the Oath Keepers’ klan, Stewart Rhodes, was also arrested for conspiracy in connection with the attacks. Neither man was physically in Washington, D.C. on the day of the attack but prosecutors believe they have enough evidence for the indictments. The indictment accused Rhodes of conspiring with others to stop the transfer of power at the Capitol on January 6 by force.
“Rhodes and certain co-conspirators … planned to stop the lawful transfer of presidential power by January 20, 2021, which included multiple ways to deploy force.”
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The Proud Boy allegedly conspired with other members to obstruct justice. He was also charged with other crimes committed by his followers on January 6, specifically Ethan Nordean and Joe Biggs, both of whom were already charged in connection with the attack.
Prosecutors accused Biggs of leading the charge to the office of Vice President Mike Pence after another Proud Boy broke a Capital window with a police shield. Enrique Tarrio denied all charges against him.
Tarrio and one Proud Boy reportedly exchanged several text messages discussing the “1776 Returns” as well as the need to occupy the Senate and House buildings. Texts on Dec. 30 and 31 also discussed holding as many people as possible.
The Proud Boy member texting Tarrio also referenced the “revolution” as more important than anything. Tarrio replied, “I’m not playing games.”
Communications were also found between Tarrio and a 22-year veteran of the Washington, D.C. police force, Shane Lamond, who has been suspended.
