Former Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs sentenced to 17 years for US Capitol attack

The Far Right Ex-Proud Boys Leader Joseph Biggs Sentenced to 17 Years for US Capitol Riot

Background

A former leader of the far-right Proud Boys group, Joseph Biggs, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in storming the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The Capitol riot was a failed attempt to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. This sentence is the second-longest prison term handed down for anyone involved in the riot. Biggs and three other members of the Proud Boys were found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other felonies in May.

Apologies and Appeals

During the proceedings, Joseph Biggs apologized for his actions on January 6, expressing remorse and asking for leniency. He claimed that he was “seduced by the crowd” and that his curiosity got the better of him. He also stated that he is not a terrorist and does not have hate in his heart. Additionally, Biggs broke down crying as he mentioned his daughter, who he claimed was a sexual assault victim, expressing his desire to be with her.

Legal Context

More than 1,100 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with approximately 597 having been convicted and sentenced. The seditious conspiracy charge, established under a Civil War-era law, makes it a crime to conspire to oppose the government by force. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, another far-right group, had previously been sentenced to 18 years in prison in a separate seditious conspiracy case. Two of Biggs’s co-defendants, Enrique Tarrio and Ethan Nordean, had not yet been sentenced after also being convicted of seditious conspiracy. Another co-defendant, Zachary Rehl, received a sentence of 15 years shortly after Biggs’s hearing. Dominic Pezzola, a fifth Proud Boys member, was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of other charges.

Judge’s Decision

US District Judge Timothy Kelly, while acknowledging the seriousness of the events of January 6, opted for a prison term below the typical sentencing guidelines. The judge stated that the Capitol riot should not be compared to a mass casualty event and therefore did not warrant a longer sentence. However, Judge Kelly emphasized that Biggs’s sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent and a clear message that the peaceful transfer of power must be upheld. He highlighted the importance of preserving American traditions and ensuring that such events never occur again.

Prosecution and Defence Arguments

Federal prosecutors argued that the crimes committed on January 6 were severe and had significant implications for future elections. They relied on a trove of messages exchanged by Proud Boys leaders and members, both privately and publicly, which indicated their preparedness for violence and their self-perception as Donald Trump’s army. Prosecutors contended that the defendants were willing to defy the law and the courts to keep Trump in power.

The defence maintained that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to support the seditious conspiracy charge. They argued that their clients should not be held responsible for the violent actions of others during the Capitol riot. The defence also asserted that the US Department of Justice was unfairly targeting their clients.

Trump’s Indictments

It is worth mentioning that the sentencing of Joseph Biggs comes at a time when former President Donald Trump himself is facing several indictments related to his actions during the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath. Federal prosecutors have accused Trump of seeking to defraud the US, conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, and violating citizens’ rights to have their votes counted. Trump also faces criminal charges in Georgia and two other separate cases unrelated to the election in New York and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming that they are politically motivated attempts to derail his potential 2024 presidential ambitions.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Joseph Biggs to 17 years in prison for his role in the Capitol riot underscores the seriousness with which the US legal system is treating the events of January 6, 2021. This sentence reflects the determination of the judiciary to send a strong message that such acts of insurrection and the attempted overthrow of elected leaders will not be tolerated.

While some may argue that the sentence is too harsh, the judge’s decision to impose a prison term below the recommended guidelines takes into account the circumstances surrounding the riot. It acknowledges that although the events were grave, they did not rise to the level of a mass casualty event.

The trial of Joseph Biggs and other defendants has highlighted the dangers posed by extremist groups and the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to their growth. The messages exchanged by Proud Boys leaders and members demonstrate the extent of their fervor and their willingness to resort to violence to achieve their objectives. It is essential for society to understand the root causes of extremism and take steps to combat them.

Going forward, it is crucial that the US upholds its principles of democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power, and safeguards against similar incidents in the future. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening law enforcement efforts, addressing social and economic inequalities, promoting civic education, and fostering a culture of tolerance and inclusivity.

The sentencing of Joseph Biggs serves as a wake-up call to all Americans to prioritise unity and reject divisive ideologies that seek to undermine the foundations of democracy. Through education, dialogue, and meaningful action, the nation can move forward and heal from the wounds inflicted by the Capitol riot.