Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy in connection with the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack, has requested a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump. Tarrio's attorney, Nayib Hassan, described him as a young man with a promising future in a letter sent on the fourth anniversary of the attack.
During Tarrio's trial, prosecutors presented evidence of messages between him and other Proud Boy leaders discussing plans leading up to January 6. The presiding judge, Timothy Kelly, referred to Tarrio as the primary organizer of the right-wing group.
Tarrio was arrested in Washington, DC, shortly before the riot for burning a Black Lives Matter banner at a church and bringing high-capacity rifle magazines into the district. He was subsequently ordered to leave the city. Although Tarrio was not physically present at the Capitol during the attack, Judge Kelly noted his significant influence on the events of that day.
In the recent letter, Tarrio's attorney emphasized that his client had been unfairly portrayed as a right-wing extremist promoting a neo-fascist militant organization. The attorney argued that Tarrio is simply a proud American who upholds conservative values and should be considered for a pardon based on the potential for personal growth and change.
