2023-08-31 17:32:52
It is the second highest prison sentence in connection with the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
A leader of the far-right Proud Boys militia was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday for the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021. Prosecutors said Joe Biggs was a key figure in a “seditious conspiracy.” It is the second-highest prison sentence linked to the storming of the Capitol. Prosecutors had demanded 33 years in prison for the former soldier. A leader of the far-right Proud Boys militia was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday for the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021. Prosecutors said Joe Biggs was a key figure in a “seditious conspiracy.” Prosecutors had asked for 33 years in prison for the former soldier.
It is the second-highest prison sentence linked to the storming of the Capitol. Nevertheless, the sentence of 17 years for such an act is considered quite mild. The sentence for “Proud Boy” Zachary Rehl, who is also accused of conspiracy, is to be announced on Thursday. Prosecutors had asked for 30 years in prison for him. The sentences for Proud Boys boss Enrique Tarrio and Ethan Nordean, another leader of the group, were due to be announced on Wednesday but were delayed due to the judge’s sudden illness.
The former head of another far-right group, the Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in May. According to the newspaper, there were a total of 1,100 proceedings once morest participants in the protest. Prosecutors had identified Biggs as one of the most violent rioters.
Attack on the heart of US democracy
The “Proud Boys” were involved in the violent storming of the US Capitol by radical supporters of the ousted Republican President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021. The attackers wanted to prevent Congress from finally confirming Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the November 2020 presidential election that day.
Trump had previously stirred up his supporters in a speech with the false claim that he had been deprived of a victory by massive election fraud. Five people died as a result of the riots. The attack on the heart of US democracy shook the country and made headlines around the world.
During the election campaign, Trump refused to clearly condemn the right-wing radical group. In a televised debate with Biden, he said, “Proud boys – stand back and stand by.” (APA)
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