Former Proud Boy boss to await Jan. 6 trial in jail
Former Proud Boys honcho Henry “Enrique” Tarrio will remain in jail while awaiting trial in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The 38-year-old South Florida man has been in police custody since March 8, when he was arrested and charged with conspiracy tied to his militant’s groups activities on Capitol Hill to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election. He had asked that bond be set, but that request was rejected based on “very strong” evidence against him.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled late Friday that Tarrio, 38, presents a danger to society that should keep him in custody at least until his hearing takes place.
In this Sept. 26, 2020 photo, Proud Boys leader Henry "Enrique" Tarrio wears a hat that says The War Boys during a rally in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File) (Allison Dinner/)
Tarrio was not in the Capitol on Jan. 6. Two days prior to the insurrection, he was arrested for ripping a Black Lives Matter banner from a historic Black church in 2020 and ordered not to remain in Washington D.C. He contends prosecutors have no “smoking gun” connecting him to criminal activity.
The Proud Boy, however, appeared to have been active in the chaos that ensued the day Joe Biden’s presidency was certified. A leader in the group’s North Carolina chapter pleaded guilty to conspiracy and assault charges last month.
Five other men linked to the organization were also named in the indictment against Tarrio. They go to trial in August. Prosecutors accuse the group of using various electronic communications to coordinate an assault on the Capitol while Congress was in session.
Prior to leaving D.C., authorities say Tarrio met with Stewart Rhodes, who heads the Oath Keepers militia group. Rhodes has been charged with seditious conspiracy. It’s unclear what the pair discussed.
The Justice Department refers to Tarrio as the “former national chairman of the Proud Boys.” Tarrio said he no longer holds that position.
The American Defamation League calls the organization “a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda.” That anti-hate association reports there are 119 active Proud Boys chapters spanning 46 states in the U.S.
With News Wire Services
