WASHINGTON: The former Proud Boys leader, Enrique Tarrio, was arrested near the US Capitol on Friday, authorities confirmed.
Police say Tarrio was taken into custody shortly after holding a press conference near the Capitol riot site.
Protesters attempted to disrupt his event, but Tarrio continued addressing the media as planned.
US Capitol Police stated that after the event, a woman approached him with a phone.
Officers allegedly witnessed Tarrio hitting the phone and striking the woman’s arm.
This led to his immediate arrest as he and his group were leaving the area.
Legal Battle
At the press conference, Tarrio was joined by Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes.
Both announced plans to sue the US Department of Justice over their past imprisonment.
They criticized prison conditions and claimed they were treated unfairly while incarcerated.
Tarrio and his group revealed they raised funds for legal action using cryptocurrency.
Supporters of their movement are contributing to the lawsuit campaign.
They argue that their imprisonment was politically motivated and unjust.
Riot Participation
Around 200 Proud Boys participated in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Dozens were arrested and convicted for their involvement in the attack.
Tarrio was not physically present during the riot due to a previous Washington, D.C. ban.
He watched the event unfold on television from Baltimore.
Despite this, he was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Rhodes, who remained outside the Capitol, was sentenced to 18 years.
Trump’s Pardons
Both men were among nearly 1,600 individuals pardoned by Donald Trump.
The blanket pardon was issued on the first day of Trump’s second term.
Many of the convicted Proud Boys were released following this decision.
Some of the group’s local chapters, however, have distanced themselves from Tarrio.
There are internal divisions over whether he should lead the organization again.
His attempt to reclaim leadership has met resistance from former allies.
Capitol Riot Narrative
During the press conference, counter-protesters loudly opposed Tarrio’s statements.
He described the January 6 rioters as “peaceful protesters” despite violent clashes.
He repeated conspiracy theories blaming the government for orchestrating the riot.
His remarks aligned with narratives promoted by far-right groups since the event.
The riot saw Congress stormed as lawmakers certified Biden’s election victory.
One unarmed woman was shot by police, and an officer died from a stroke.
Future Implications
Tarrio’s arrest raises questions about his future activities and legal battles.
Authorities will determine whether additional charges will be filed against him.
His attempt to reclaim influence within the Proud Boys remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, counter-protesters continue challenging his group’s claims.
The Capitol riot and its aftermath remain a divisive topic in American politics.
Legal battles and political debates over the event persist nationwide.
