Five Proud Boys Face Rarely-Used Charge of Seditious Conspiracy in Connection with Capitol Attack

Five members of the far-right extremist group, the Proud Boys, are facing nine counts, including the rarely-used charge of seditious conspiracy, in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

At the close of the historic trial on Monday, prosecutors argued that the Proud Boys were “thirsting for violence, and organizing for action” before the attack. They were “lined up behind Donald Trump and willing to commit violence on his behalf,” said prosecutor Conor Mulroe.

The five members of the Proud Boys facing charges are Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola. They are accused of plotting to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory on January 6th.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Mulroe described the attack on the Capitol as “a national disgrace” and urged jurors to consider the evidence carefully. The trial has been ongoing for three months, and the jury is expected to reach a verdict soon.

The rarely-used charge of seditious conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The Proud Boys have been described as an extremist group with a history of violence and racism. This trial marks the first time the charge of seditious conspiracy has been used in connection with the Capitol attack.