Proud Boys File $100 Million Lawsuit Against U.S. Government Over Capitol Riot Prosecutions

The Proud Boys' leaders contest their convictions tied to the January 6 Capitol riots by suing the government for $100 million, alleging systemic legal abuse and political motivation in their prosecution.

Five leaders of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, have initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking $100 million in damages, arguing that their rights were infringed upon during their prosecution for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The group was convicted for their role in the riots aimed at overturning the 2020 election results, which saw Joe Biden defeat Donald Trump.

The suit, filed in Florida, contends that the actions taken by FBI agents and prosecutors were influenced by personal bias against them, leading to what they claim was the unlawful persecution of Trump’s supporters. The suit highlights that the leaders were subjected to wrongful legal practices, including "evidence tampering" and "witness intimidation."

Among the plaintiffs are Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola. Tarrio received a 22-year prison sentence, marking the longest term among them, for his role in orchestrating the Capitol attack while lawmakers were certifying Biden's victory. The lawsuit asserts that the prosecution was not only unjust but politically motivated to punish Trump allies.

The lawsuit targets the Department of Justice, which is currently under the leadership of Trump-appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi. During his time in office, Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of many involved in the riot, a decision that received backlash from democratic legislators. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to Trump’s pardons as a serious affront to the judicial process, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the events of January 6.

As of now, over 1,500 individuals have faced criminal charges related to the Capitol riots, with numerous arrests for offenses that include assaulting law enforcement officers. In stark contrast, while many view the riots as a grave threat to democracy, Trump has termed that day a “day of love,” showcasing the divide in perceptions surrounding the incident and its aftermath. The Justice Department has yet to comment on the lawsuit as scrutiny continues regarding the wider implications of the Capitol riots and the response from federal authorities.