Joe Biggs, a leader of the far-right group known as the Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the infamous march on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. This marks one of the longest sentences given to a convicted rioter in relation to the Capitol attack.
Biggs was convicted by a jury in Washington, DC, on charges including seditious conspiracy for his attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power from then-President Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election. Another member of the Proud Boys, Zachary Rehl, who served as the president of the organization’s Philadelphia chapter, was also sentenced to 15 years.
District Judge Timothy Kelly underscored the importance of the rights protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States in his remarks during the sentencing. He emphasized that the events of January 6 broke the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power and warranted a significant sentence. While the prosecution initially requested a 33-year sentence for Biggs, Judge Kelly opted for a shorter term, taking into account the sentences handed down to others involved in the Capitol attack.
This sentencing is the second-longest thus far for a defendant related to the Capitol attack. Stewart Rhodes, the leader and founder of the Oath Keepers, received the longest sentence of 18 years. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Biggs and his codefendants planned and encouraged violence leading up to the riot. They also highlighted the role played by Biggs, Rehl, and Nordean in standing back while others assaulted police and breached the Capitol.
All of the Proud Boys defendants were found guilty of seditious conspiracy and various other charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting. Prosecutors argued that their conduct was more egregious than that of the Oath Keepers and warranted harsher sentences.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Joe Biggs, the Proud Boys leader, to 17 years in prison reflects the severity of the Capitol attack and its disruption of the peaceful transfer of power. While it falls short of the initial request by prosecutors, it serves as a significant punishment for his involvement in the events of January 6, 2021.
