Enrique Tarrio

{{Infobox criminal

| name = Enrique Tarrio

| image = File:Proud Boys at Richmond gun rally 2020 (cropped to Tarrio).jpg

| caption = Tarrio at a rally in 2020

| birth_name = Henry Tarrio

| birth_date = {{Birth based on age as of date|20|2004}}

| birth_place = Miami, Florida, U.S.

| known_for = January 6 Capitol attack, Chairman of the Proud Boys, Florida state director of Latinos for Trump

| party = Republican{{Cite web |title=FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1361386|url=https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/H0FL27042/1361386/ |access-date=October 2, 2020 |website=docquery.fec.gov |archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007173251/https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/H0FL27042/1361386/ |url-status=live }}

| movement = Proud Boys

| conviction = *Seditious conspiracy

Obstruction of Congress
Obstruction of law enforcement
Conspiracy (2 counts){{Cite news|last1=Feuer|first1=Alan|last2=Montague|first2=Zach|date=2023-05-04|title=Four Proud Boys Convicted of Sedition in Key Jan. 6 Case|website=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/us/politics/jan-6-proud-boys-sedition.html/|access-date=2023-09-02|archive-date=September 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902201520/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/us/politics/jan-6-proud-boys-sedition.html/|url-status=live}}

| criminal_penalty = 22 years imprisonment

| criminal_status = Pardoned

}}

Henry "Enrique" Tarrio{{Cite news |last=Duggan |first=Paul |date=August 23, 2021 |title=Proud Boys leader Henry 'Enrique' Tarrio sentenced to five months in jail |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/tarrio-proud-boy-jail-sentence/2021/08/23/df06b84a-041b-11ec-a266-7c7fe02fa374_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920190527/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/tarrio-proud-boy-jail-sentence/2021/08/23/df06b84a-041b-11ec-a266-7c7fe02fa374_story.html |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |access-date=September 8, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} ({{small|US English:}} {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ɑːr|i|oʊ}} {{Respell|TAR-ee-oh}}; {{small|US Spanish:}} {{IPA|es|taˈri.o|}}; born {{Birth based on age as of date|20|2004|noage=1}}) is an American convicted seditionist and far-right activist. From 2018 to 2021, he was the chairman of the Proud Boys, a neo-fascist organization that promotes and engages in political violence in the United States. Along with three other Proud Boys leaders, Tarrio was convicted in May 2023 of seditious conspiracy for his role in the 2021 United States Capitol attack. In September 2023, Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison, before being pardoned by U.S. president Donald Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.

Tarrio, who is Afro-Cuban, was the Florida state director of the grassroots organization Latinos for Trump. In 2020, Tarrio was a candidate in the Republican primary election for Florida's 27th congressional district, but withdrew. According to a former federal prosecutor and the transcripts of a 2014 federal court proceeding, Tarrio had served as an informant to both federal and local law enforcement from 2012 to 2014.

Life before Proud Boys

Henry Tarrio was born in Miami, Florida,{{Cite web |title=Enrique Tarrio |url=https://ballotpedia.org/Enrique_Tarrio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619185755/https://ballotpedia.org/Enrique_Tarrio |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |website=Ballotpedia}} in {{birth based on age as of date|20|2004|noage=1}},{{cite news |last1=Steinhauer |first1=Jennifer |last2=Benner |first2=Katie |last3=Schmitt |first3=Eric |last4=Cooper |first4=Helene |title=Leader of Proud Boys, a Far-Right Group, Is Arrested as D.C. Braces for Protests|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/us/politics/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys.html |access-date=January 5, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105015834/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/04/us/politics/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys.html |url-status=live }} and was raised Catholic in the neighborhood of Little Havana.{{Cite web|last=Lipscomb|first=Jessica|date=November 1, 2019|title=Local Douchebag Announces 2020 Congressional Run|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-announces-2020-run-for-congress-against-donna-shalala-in-florida-27th-district-11310726|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001080123/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-announces-2020-run-for-congress-against-donna-shalala-in-florida-27th-district-11310726|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 2, 2020|website=Miami New Times}}{{Cite web |last=Ceballos |first=Joshua |title=Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Was Once a Regular Miami Kid. Now He's in Jail |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526 |date=September 7, 2021 |access-date=September 7, 2022 |website=Miami New Times |language=en |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907214405/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526 |url-status=live }}

In 2004, when he was 20 years old, Tarrio was convicted of theft. He was sentenced to community service and three years of probation and was ordered to pay restitution. After 2004, Tarrio relocated to a small town in North Florida to run a poultry farm. He later returned to Miami. He has also founded a security equipment installation firm and another firm providing GPS tracking for companies.

In 2012, Tarrio was indicted for his role in a scheme to rebrand and resell stolen diabetic test strips. After being charged, Tarrio cooperated with investigators, helping them prosecute more than a dozen others. In 2013, Tarrio was sentenced to 30 months (of which he served 16) in federal prison.{{Cite news|last=Boryga|first=Andrew|title=South Florida Proud Boys leader reacts with pride to President Trump's debate-night call to 'stand by'|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-ne-proud-boys-react-to-trump-20200930-wg3y74dzhjbsffb4oc7w6pwt64-story.html|url-status=live|date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001190617/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-ne-proud-boys-react-to-trump-20200930-wg3y74dzhjbsffb4oc7w6pwt64-story.html|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 1, 2020|work=South Florida Sun-Sentinel}}{{Cite web|last=Owen|first=Tess|date=November 4, 2019|title=Proud Boys Leader and Roger Stone Fanboy Is Running for Congress|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/proud-boys-leader-and-roger-stone-fanboy-is-running-for-congress/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001022753/https://www.vice.com/en/article/43kmvm/proud-boys-leader-and-roger-stone-fanboy-is-running-for-congress|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 1, 2020|work=Vice}}{{Cite web|last=Sollenberger|first=Roger|date=December 15, 2020|title=How did a Proud Boys leader with a felony record get into the White House?|url=https://www.salon.com/2020/12/15/how-did-a-proud-boys-leader-with-a-felony-record-get-into-the-white-house/|access-date=December 24, 2020|work=Salon|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224005819/https://www.salon.com/2020/12/15/how-did-a-proud-boys-leader-with-a-felony-record-get-into-the-white-house/|url-status=live}}

Between 2012 and 2014, Tarrio was an informant to both federal and local law enforcement; in a 2014 federal court hearing, Tarrio's lawyer said that Tarrio had been a "prolific" cooperator who had assisted the government in the investigation and prosecution of more than twelve people in cases involving anabolic steroids, gambling, and human smuggling; had helped identify three "grow houses" where marijuana was cultivated; and had repeatedly worked undercover to aid in investigations. Tarrio denied working undercover or cooperating with prosecutions, but the court transcript contradicted the denial, and the former federal prosecutor in the proceeding against Tarrio confirmed that he cooperated.{{Cite news|last=Roston|first=Aram|date=January 27, 2021|title=Exclusive: Proud Boys leader was 'prolific' informer for law enforcement|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-proudboys-leader-idUSKBN29W1PE|access-date=January 27, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127142355/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-proudboys-leader-idUSKBN29W1PE|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Molly |last=Hennessy-Fiske|title=Leader of far-right group was police informant, records show|date=January 28, 2020|url=https://enewspaper.latimes.com/desktop/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8e0c-236bf740270e|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124000815/https://enewspaper.latimes.com/desktop/latimes/default.aspx?pubid=50435180-e58e-48b5-8e0c-236bf740270e|url-status=live}}{{Subscription required}} Tarrio's role as an informant was first made public in January 2021,{{cite news|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio 'once a prolific police informer'|date=28 January 2021|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55846696|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=8 September 2023|archive-date=September 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907050931/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55846696|url-status=live}} after Reuters obtained the court records and interviewed investigators and lawyers involved in the case.

Proud Boys

File:Enrique Tarrio - International Chairman Proud Boys (retouched).jpg

Tarrio volunteered at a Miami event for far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos in May 2017 when he encountered a member of the Proud Boys, who encouraged him to join the organization.{{Cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Meg|date=December 10, 2018|title=Hate Goes Mainstream With the Miami Proud Boys|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/inside-miami-alt-right-and-proud-boys-chapter-10945821|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001092654/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/inside-miami-alt-right-and-proud-boys-chapter-10945821|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 1, 2020|work=Miami New Times}} In August 2017, Tarrio attended the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.{{Cite news |last=Orecchio-Egresitz |first=Haven |date=September 30, 2020 |title=The Proud Boys chairman says members of the organization are running for office – and you might not know if you're voting for one|url=https://www.insider.com/proud-boys-chairman-says-members-run-for-office-election-2020-9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201001064412/https://www.insider.com/proud-boys-chairman-says-members-run-for-office-election-2020-9 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |work=Insider }} He said he was there to protest the removal of Confederate monuments and memorials.{{Cite news |last=Viteri |first=Amy |date=August 18, 2017 |title=White nationalist who attended rally in Charlottesville explains his beliefs|url=https://www.local10.com/news/2017/08/18/white-nationalist-who-attended-rally-in-charlottesville-explains-his-beliefs/ |access-date=October 4, 2020 |publisher=WPLG|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003211041/https://www.local10.com/news/2017/08/18/white-nationalist-who-attended-rally-in-charlottesville-explains-his-beliefs/ |url-status=live }}

In 2018, Tarrio became a fourth-degree member of the Proud Boys, a distinction reserved for those who get into a physical altercation "for the cause"; he punched a person who was believed to be aligned with antifa.{{Cite news|last=Coaston|first=Jane|date=October 15, 2018|title=The Proud Boys, explained|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/10/15/17978358/proud-boys-trump-biden-debate-violence|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003103829/https://www.vox.com/2018/10/15/17978358/proud-boys-trump-biden-debate-violence|archive-date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 2, 2020|work=Vox|quote=became a fourth-degree Proud Boy after punching a purported member of antifa in the face in June 2018.}} He assumed the role of chairman for the organization on November 29, 2018, succeeding Jason Lee Van Dyke, who held the position for two days, and Van Dyke's predecessor Gavin McInnes.{{Cite web |last=Merlan |first=Anna |date=November 29, 2018 |title=The Proud Boys' Hilarious Slow-Motion Disintegration Continues |url=https://splinternews.com/the-proud-boys-hilarious-slow-motion-disintegration-con-1830739264|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071551/https://splinternews.com/the-proud-boys-hilarious-slow-motion-disintegration-con-1830739264 |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |website=Splinter News}}{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Paul |date=November 29, 2018 |title=Enrique Tarrio: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|url=https://heavy.com/news/2018/11/enrique-tarrio/ |access-date=October 2, 2020 |website=Heavy.com|archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002181110/https://heavy.com/news/2018/11/enrique-tarrio/ |url-status=live }} McInnes involved Tarrio as a prospective electoral candidate, and in that capacity both conferred with Trump right-wing confidants Steve Bannon (whom Trump later pardoned) and Sebastian Gorka.{{cite news|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526|title=Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Was Once a Regular Miami Kid. Now He's in Jail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907214405/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526 |archive-date=September 7, 2021|work=Miami New Times|last=Ceballos|first=Joshua|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=September 7, 2021}}

Tarrio helped organize the End Domestic Terrorism rally held in Portland, Oregon, on August 17, 2019.{{cite news |last=Wesley |first=Lashay |date=August 11, 2019 |title=Rival demonstrations planned on August 17 in Downtown Portland|url=https://katu.com/news/local/rival-demonstrations-planned-on-august-17-in-downtown-portland |access-date=October 4, 2020 |website=KATU |archive-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812044708/https://katu.com/news/local/rival-demonstrations-planned-on-august-17-in-downtown-portland |url-status=live }} The event, co-organized by Joe Biggs, was advertised as a response to the June 2019 beating up of conservative blogger Andy Ngo.{{Cite news|last=Wilson|first=Jason|date=August 18, 2019|title=US far-right group vows to march monthly following Portland rally|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us/us-far-right-group-vows-to-march-monthly-following-portland-rally-1.3990110|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228235618/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us/us-far-right-group-vows-to-march-monthly-following-portland-rally-1.3990110|archive-date=February 28, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020|newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{Cite news|last=Flaccus|first=Gillian|date=August 16, 2019|title=Arrests precede major demonstrations in Portland, Oregon|url=https://apnews.com/article/be42d98d7fd04bc6a4a598569492c2c8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006152945/https://apnews.com/article/be42d98d7fd04bc6a4a598569492c2c8|archive-date=October 6, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020|work=Associated Press}}

In addition to his role with the Proud Boys, Tarrio owns a Miami T-shirt business, known as the 1776 Shop, an online vendor for right-wing merchandise.{{Cite news|last=Weill|first=Kelly|date=January 29, 2019|title=The Proud Boys Are Now Roger Stone's Personal Army|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-proud-boys-became-roger-stones-personal-army-6|url-status=live|access-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129141657/https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-the-proud-boys-became-roger-stones-personal-army-6|archive-date=January 29, 2019}} Slate described the 1776 Shop as a "freewheeling online emporium for far-right merch" that sells a range of Proud Boys gear including shirts stating "Pinochet did nothing wrong".{{Cite web|last=Glaser|first=April|date=February 7, 2019|title=It Just Got a Lot Harder for the Proud Boys to Sell Their Merch Online|url=https://slate.com/technology/2019/02/proud-boys-1776-shop-paypal-square-chase-removed.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208071033/https://slate.com/technology/2019/02/proud-boys-1776-shop-paypal-square-chase-removed.html|archive-date=February 8, 2019|access-date=October 1, 2020|work=Slate}}

In regard to his views on extremist groups and ideologies, Tarrio has been quoted as saying, "I denounce white supremacy. I denounce anti-Semitism. I denounce racism. I denounce fascism. I denounce communism and any other -ism that is prejudiced towards people because of their race, religion, culture, tone of skin."{{Cite web |last=Burgos |first=Marisela |date=September 30, 2020 |title=Proud Boys chairman tells 7News group is misunderstood; group labeled 'dangerous'|url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/proud-boys-chairman-discusses-trumps-comments-during-presidential-debate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004225604/https://wsvn.com/news/local/proud-boys-chairman-discusses-trumps-comments-during-presidential-debate/ |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |website=WSVN}} In regard to his own ethnicity, he has said, "I'm pretty brown, I'm Cuban. There's nothing white supremacist about me." The Anti-Defamation League considers the Proud Boys to be misogynistic, Islamophobic, transphobic and anti-immigration, and goes on to state that some members support white supremacist and antisemitic ideologies, and engage with white supremacist groups.{{cite web |title=Proud Boys - ADL |url=https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/proud-boys-0 |website=www.adl.org |access-date=24 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017024053/https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/proud-boys-0 |url-status=live }}

After Tarrio confronted and shouted expletives at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Coral Gables in late 2018, the chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party apologized and US Senator Marco Rubio compared the disruptors to the "repudiation mobs Castro has long ago used in Cuba."{{Cite news|last1=Smiley|first1=David|last2=Gamez Torrez|first2=Nora|last3=Hall|first3=Kevin G.|date=October 2, 2020|title=Proud Boys try to assimilate into Florida GOP as Trump denies knowing extremist group|work=Miami Herald|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article246138120.html|url-status=live|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004224934/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article246138120.html}}

In 2018, Twitter removed Tarrio's account, along with others related to the Proud Boys, citing how platform policy prohibited accounts related to violent extremist groups. The following year, Twitter detected and removed another account that Tarrio created to evade the suspension.{{Cite news |last=Lipscomb |first=Jessica |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio Removed From Twitter for 'Evading Suspension'|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-chairman-enrique-tarrio-removed-from-twitter-for-evading-suspension-11114580 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Miami New Times |archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003013215/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-chairman-enrique-tarrio-removed-from-twitter-for-evading-suspension-11114580 |url-status=live }}

Tarrio said he is a close friend of Roger Stone,{{Cite news |last=Karni |first=Annie |date=October 2, 2020 |title=The Florida director of a pro-Trump Latino group is the chairman of the Proud Boys. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/us/elections/the-florida-director-of-a-pro-trump-latino-group-is-the-chairman-of-the-proud-boys.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003215003/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/us/elections/the-florida-director-of-a-pro-trump-latino-group-is-the-chairman-of-the-proud-boys.html |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |access-date=October 4, 2020 |work=The New York Times}} a Trump ally who is a high-profile Proud Boys supporter.{{Cite news|last1=MacFarquhar|first1=Neil|last2=Feuer|first2=Alan|last3=Baker|first3=Mike|last4=Frenkel|first4=Sheera|date=September 30, 2020|title=Far-Right Group That Trades in Political Violence Gets a Boost|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/us/proud-boys-trump.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002065508/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/us/proud-boys-trump.html|archive-date=October 2, 2020}} After Stone was arrested in January 2019, Tarrio appeared outside the courtroom in a shirt emblazoned with the message "Roger Stone did nothing wrong".{{Cite web |first1=Meg|last1=O'Connor |first2=Jerry|last2=Iannelli |date=February 21, 2019 |title=Roger Stone Admits Extensive Ties to Extremist Group Florida Proud Boys in Court|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/roger-stone-admits-ties-to-florida-proud-boys-jacob-engels-enrique-tarrio-11093554 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |work=Miami New Times |archive-date=October 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002011955/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/roger-stone-admits-ties-to-florida-proud-boys-jacob-engels-enrique-tarrio-11093554 |url-status=live }} The two appeared in a video together made on December 11, 2020, the day before a "Stop the Steal" rally where Tarrio stood on stage with Stone.{{Cite web|last=Papenfuss|first=Mary|date=February 6, 2021|title=New Video Shows Trump Ally Roger Stone With Proud Boy Accused Of Planning Capitol Riot|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/roger-stone-proud-boys-collusions-questions_n_601f58edc5b6c56a89a19bd1|access-date=February 7, 2021|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907214405/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/roger-stone-proud-boys-collusions-questions_n_601f58edc5b6c56a89a19bd1|url-status=live}} On December 23, 2020, Trump pardoned Stone, whose prison sentence he had previously commuted.{{Cite news|first=Justin|last=Sink|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-24/trump-pardons-ex-campaign-chief-manafort-adviser-roger-stone|title=Trump Pardons Ex-Campaign Chief Manafort, Adviser Roger Stone|website=Bloomberg.com|date=December 23, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2021|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318152442/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-24/trump-pardons-ex-campaign-chief-manafort-adviser-roger-stone|url-status=live}}

Tarrio began a run for Congress for Florida's 27th district in 2020, but withdrew before the Republican Party primary. In his campaign's responses to a Ballotpedia survey done in 2019, Tarrio listed criminal justice reform, protection of the Second Amendment, countering domestic terrorism, ending the war on drugs, free speech on digital platforms, and immigration reform among his priorities.

=December 2020 clashes and 2021 guilty plea=

{{Further information|2020–2021 United States election protests}}

On December 12, 2020, after Donald Trump was defeated in the November 2020 election, Tarrio and the Proud Boys, along with other far-right groups, marched in Washington, D.C. to support Trump's campaign to delegitimize his election loss. About 200 Proud Boys, many clad in combat fatigues, ballistic vests, and helmets, took part.{{Cite news|last1=Landay|first1=Jonathan|last2=Gardner|first2=Timothy|last3=Lawder|first3=David|date=December 13, 2020|title=Pro-Trump protests decry president's election loss, opposing groups clash in Washington|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/13/pro-trump-protests-decry-election-loss-violence-in-washington.html|access-date=January 5, 2021|website=CNBC|archive-date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109153141/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/13/pro-trump-protests-decry-election-loss-violence-in-washington.html|url-status=live}} Tarrio and the group set fire to a "Black Lives Matter" banner they seized from Asbury United Methodist Church, a historic Black church.{{Cite news|last=Hermann|first=Peter|date=December 18, 2020|title=Proud Boys leader says he burned Black Lives Matter banner stolen from church during demonstrations in D.C.|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-black-lives-matter-sign/2020/12/18/c056c05e-415a-11eb-8db8-395dedaaa036_story.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212210846/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-black-lives-matter-sign/2020/12/18/c056c05e-415a-11eb-8db8-395dedaaa036_story.html|url-status=live}} Asbury United Methodist, along with three other churches, were vandalized that night, and more than three dozen people were arrested. Tarrio was among a group of Proud Boys and far-right activists who also attacked the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, DC that day.{{cite news | last =Campbell | first =Josh | title =Proud Boys members ordered to pay over $1 million in 'hateful and overtly racist' church destruction civil suit | newspaper =CNN | location = | pages = | language = | publisher = | date =July 1, 2023 | url =https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/01/politics/proud-boys-fined-ame-church-destruction/index.html | access-date =July 1, 2023 | archive-date =July 1, 2023 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20230701212447/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/01/politics/proud-boys-fined-ame-church-destruction/index.html | url-status =live }}

Trump supporters and opponents clashed in the streets, culminating in the stabbing of four people. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Tarrio was arrested by D.C. police on January 4, two days before the January 6 insurrection.{{Cite news|last1=Hermann|first1=Peter|last2=Weil|first2=Martin|date=January 4, 2021|title=Proud Boys leader arrested in the burning of Black Lives Matter banner, D.C. police say|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-arrest/2021/01/04/8642a76a-4edf-11eb-b96e-0e54447b23a1_story.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104235505/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-arrest/2021/01/04/8642a76a-4edf-11eb-b96e-0e54447b23a1_story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Lambert|first1=Evan|date=January 4, 2021|title=Proud Boys' leader Enrique Tarrio arrested in DC, police say|publisher=Fox 5 DC|url=https://www.fox5dc.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-arrested-in-dc-police-say|access-date=January 5, 2021|archive-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105000205/https://www.fox5dc.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-arrested-in-dc-police-say|url-status=live}} The FBI later said they had arrested Tarrio in an attempt to prevent the 2021 United States Capitol attack.

Tarrio was charged with misdemeanor destruction of property and with two counts of felony possession of illegal high-capacity ammunition magazines (which police discovered upon arresting Tarrio on January 4). He was released on bail on January 5, 2021, with conditions; Tarrio was banned from entering Washington except for trial or meeting with his lawyers.{{Cite web|date=January 5, 2021|title=Judge bans Proud Boys leader from Washington after arrest|url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-race-and-ethnicity-district-of-columbia-4ec2c696a58253b95ef76e5c18aa5ada|access-date=January 7, 2021|work=Associated Press|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107014012/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-politics-race-and-ethnicity-district-of-columbia-4ec2c696a58253b95ef76e5c18aa5ada|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Proud Boys leader released from jail, ordered to stay away from DC|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/proud-boys-leader-arrested-dc-destruction-of-property-black-lives-matter-signs/65-eedde355-b8bc-4838-9608-6c9cafb0bb67|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=wusa9.com|date=January 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106013005/https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/proud-boys-leader-arrested-dc-destruction-of-property-black-lives-matter-signs/65-eedde355-b8bc-4838-9608-6c9cafb0bb67|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=January 5, 2021|title=Proud Boys leader released from jail but ordered to leave DC and stay away|url=https://wtop.com/dc/2021/01/court-docs-in-church-sign-burning-cite-proud-boys-leaders-own-words-memes/|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=WTOP|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107080551/https://wtop.com/dc/2021/01/court-docs-in-church-sign-burning-cite-proud-boys-leaders-own-words-memes/|url-status=live}}

In July 2021, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Tarrio pleaded guilty to destruction of property and to a misdemeanor count of attempted possession of a high-capacity magazine (the felony counts were dropped as part of the agreement).{{Cite news|last1=Duggan|first1=Paul|last2=Weiner|first2=Rachel|date=July 19, 2021|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio pleads guilty in burning of Black Lives Matter banner in D.C.|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/tarrio-guilty-plea-proud-boy/2021/07/19/19fbcd6a-e8aa-11eb-97a0-a09d10181e36_story.html|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907214418/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/tarrio-guilty-plea-proud-boy/2021/07/19/19fbcd6a-e8aa-11eb-97a0-a09d10181e36_story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Jansen|first=Bart|date=July 19, 2021|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio pleads guilty in Black Lives Matter banner burning|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/19/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-pleads-guilty-blm-banner-burning/8019992002/|url-status=live|access-date=July 19, 2021|website=USA Today|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719215618/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/19/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-pleads-guilty-blm-banner-burning/8019992002/}} Tarrio acknowledged that he had burned the banner, but denied that the act was a hate crime. At the sentencing hearing in August 2021, Tarrio said he made a "grave mistake" and wanted to "profusely apologize for my actions." The D.C. Superior Court judge found that Tarrio's claim that he did not fully realize what he was doing was "not credible" and that video evidence contradicted some of Tarrio's claims.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/23/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-black-lives-matter|title=Proud Boys leader gets five months for burning BLM banner and weapons crimes|newspaper=The Guardian|date=August 23, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505162905/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/23/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-black-lives-matter|url-status=live}} Tarrio was sentenced to 155 days in the D.C. Jail,{{Cite news|last1=Ceballos|first1=Joshua|last2=Swanson|first2=Jess|date=August 23, 2021|title=Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Sentenced to 155 Days in D.C. Jail|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-155-days-in-jail-12797703|url-status=live|access-date=August 31, 2021|newspaper=Miami New Times|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831213045/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-155-days-in-jail-12797703}}{{Cite news|url=https://wqow.com/2021/08/23/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-5-months-in-jail-for-burning-black-lives-matter-banner-weapons-charge/|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 5 months in jail for burning Black Lives Matter banner, weapons charge|agency=Associated Press|date=August 23, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823192622/https://wqow.com/2021/08/23/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-sentenced-to-5-months-in-jail-for-burning-black-lives-matter-banner-weapons-charge/|url-status=dead}} more than the 90 days requested by federal prosecutors.{{Cite news|last1=Pusatory|first1=Matt|last2=Flack|first2=Eric|date=September 6, 2021|title=Proud Boys' leader turns himself in for BLM flag burning|publisher=WUSA (CBS Washington DC)|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/enrique-tarrio-turns-himself-in-for-blm-flag-burning/65-9e605577-935a-4626-b67b-83d9a5e0e68a|access-date=September 8, 2021|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907135430/https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/enrique-tarrio-turns-himself-in-for-blm-flag-burning/65-9e605577-935a-4626-b67b-83d9a5e0e68a|url-status=live}} Tarrio began serving his sentence on September 6, 2021. His November 2021 request for early release based on poor living conditions in the D.C. Jail was denied.{{Cite web|first=Maya|last=Yang|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/23/proud-boys-leader-henry-enrique-tarrio-denied-early-release|title=Proud Boys leader denied early release from Washington DC jail|date=November 23, 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124182744/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/23/proud-boys-leader-henry-enrique-tarrio-denied-early-release|url-status=live}} Tarrio was released from the D.C. jail in January 2022, after serving four months and a week.{{cite news|first=Will|last=Carless|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/01/14/proud-boy-leader-enrique-tarrio-released-jail/6527199001/|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio released from jail; role in extremist group is unclear|newspaper=USA Today|date=January 14, 2022|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505162855/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/01/14/proud-boy-leader-enrique-tarrio-released-jail/6527199001/|url-status=live}}

The Metropolitan AME Church, one of the historically Black congregations attacked in December 2020, sued Tarrio and the Texas-based Proud Boys International LLC. Represented by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the law firm Paul Weiss, the church brought claims of civil conspiracy, defacement of private property, trespass, and destruction of religious property under the D.C. Bias and Related Crimes Act.{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Russell|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/black-church-wins-default-judgment-against-proud-boys/|title=Black Church Wins Default Judgment Against Proud Boys|agency=Courthouse News Service|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505164254/https://www.courthousenews.com/black-church-wins-default-judgment-against-proud-boys/|url-status=live}} The Proud Boys failed to respond to the suit, and the plaintiffs won a default judgment in April 2021.

In June 2023, D.C. Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz approved the default judgment and ordered Tarrio and three others, Joe Biggs, Jeremy Bertino, and John Turano, to pay $36,626.78 in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.{{cite news|first1=Keith L.|last1=Alexander|first2=Rachel|last2=Weiner|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/30/black-lives-matter-church-sign-burned-proud-boys/|title=Proud Boys to pay church $1 million for destroyed 'Black Lives Matter' sign|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 30, 2023|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702130506/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/30/black-lives-matter-church-sign-burned-proud-boys/|url-status=live}} Kravitz wrote in his order that the four men had engaged in "hateful and overtly racist conduct" and that the tearing down of the sign "resulted from a highly orchestrated set of events focused on the Proud Boys' guiding principles: white supremacy and violence."{{cite news|first=Lauren|last=McCarthy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/01/us/proud-boys-black-lives-matter-church-sign.html|title=Proud Boys Fined Over $1 Million for Destroying Property of a Black Church|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 1, 2023|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=July 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705184201/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/01/us/proud-boys-black-lives-matter-church-sign.html|url-status=live}}

=Role in the January 6 attack =

{{main|Planning of the January 6 United States Capitol attack#Proud Boys}}

By November 2021, at least two dozen Proud Boys members and affiliates had been indicted for alleged roles in the 2021 United States Capitol attack.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/03/politics/proud-boys-indicted-capitol-riot/index.html|title=New charges allege Proud Boys prepped for Capitol insurrection|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|first2=Katelyn|last2=Polantz|first3=Mallory|last3=Simon|website=CNN|date=February 3, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212210802/https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/03/politics/proud-boys-indicted-capitol-riot/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=2 Oregon brothers arrested for attack on US Capitol|url=https://www.opb.org/article/2021/03/24/oregon-brothers-arrested-fbi-us-capitol-violence/|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=OPB|archive-date=March 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325210700/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/03/24/oregon-brothers-arrested-fbi-us-capitol-violence/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Olmos|first1=Sergio|last2=Baker|first2=Mike|last3=Feuer|first3=Alan|date=August 24, 2021|title=Even Amid a Crackdown, the Proud Boys Are Still Agitating|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/us/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio.html|access-date=September 5, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906201117/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/us/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio.html|url-status=live}} After the assault on the Capitol, Tarrio said he would neither "support" nor "condemn" the attack and did not "sympathize" with lawmakers. By January 2022, at least 37 members of the Proud Boys were arrested and charged with January 6-related offenses. Tarrio and the Proud Boys were subpoenaed by the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack in November 2021.{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Marshall |title=January 6 committee subpoenas Proud Boys and Oath Keepers |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/23/politics/january-6-subpoenas-proud-boys-oath-keepers/index.html |website=CNN |date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124010826/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/23/politics/january-6-subpoenas-proud-boys-oath-keepers/index.html |url-status=live }}Joshua Ceballos, "[https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/january-6-committee-subpoena-proud-boys-enrique-henry-tarrio-13432398 Read Proud Boy Enrique Tarrio's January 6 Committee Subpoena]", Miami New Times (December 1, 2021). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505172150/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/january-6-committee-subpoena-proud-boys-enrique-henry-tarrio-13432398 |date=May 5, 2023 }}. In February 2022, under subpoena, Tarrio gave a deposition to committee investigators and two committee members.{{cite news|first=Jay|last=Weaver|url=https://miamiherald.com/article270354927.html|title=Proud Boys' Tarrio testified Jan. 6 assault 'shocked' him, despite contrary evidence|newspaper=The Miami Herald|date=December 23, 2022 |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 8, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230505171848/https://amp.miamiherald.com/article270354927.html|url-status= live }}

Split within Proud Boys after January 6

In the aftermath of the 2021 United States Capitol attack, several chapters of the Proud Boys organization split with the national group. The revelation in late January 2021 that Tarrio had been an informant to federal and local law enforcement between 2012 and 2014 contributed to rifts within the group.{{Cite news|last=Roston|first=Aram|date=January 27, 2021|title=Exclusive: Proud Boys leader was 'prolific' informer for law enforcement|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-proudboys-leader-exclusive-idUSKBN29W1PE|access-date=April 21, 2021|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826091144/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-proudboys-leader-exclusive-idUSKBN29W1PE|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Rebecca|last1=Ballhaus|first2=Khadeeja|last2=Safdar|first3=Shalini|last3=Ramachandran|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-forceful-on-jan-6-privately-are-in-turmoil-11623859785|title=Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, Forceful on Jan. 6, Privately Are in Turmoil|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=June 16, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621112642/https://www.wsj.com/articles/proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-forceful-on-jan-6-privately-are-in-turmoil-11623859785|url-status=live}} The revelation that some Proud Boys had turned into FBI informants also led members to panic.{{Cite news|last1=Sommer|first1=Will|last2=Weill|first2=Kelly|date=February 14, 2021|title=FBI Informant Panic Is Ruining Friendships All Over the Far Right|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/fbi-informant-panic-is-ruining-friendships-all-over-the-far-right-proud-boys-and-america-firsters|access-date=February 15, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214043003/https://www.thedailybeast.com/fbi-informant-panic-is-ruining-friendships-all-over-the-far-right-proud-boys-and-america-firsters|url-status=live}} The Proud Boys' decline was also attributed to financial troubles. In June 2021, Tarrio said that the Proud Boys had been "hemorrhaging money" since January 2021.

After the January 6 attack, the Proud Boys were cut off from the financial systems: payment processors PayPal and Stripe banned the Proud Boys, and the livestreaming service DLive also banned Tarrio and other group members. Tarrio said that more than a dozen processors had banned him, and his business account was closed by his bank.

Local Proud Boys chapters in Seattle, Las Vegas, Indiana and Alabama left the national organization.{{cite web|first=Jemima|last=McEvoy|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/06/29/proud-boys-leader-to-step-down-as-embattled-group-plans-pivot-to-local-politics/?sh=2a1ffcb71ace|title=Proud Boys Leader To Step Down As Embattled Group Plans Pivot To Local Politics|website=Forbes|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505174921/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/06/29/proud-boys-leader-to-step-down-as-embattled-group-plans-pivot-to-local-politics/?sh=2a1ffcb71ace|url-status=live}} The Oklahoma chapter also split from the national group. In late June 2021, Tarrio said in an interview that he would step down as national chairman of the Proud Boys in September 2021. He denied that his departure was related to splits in the movement, claiming that he was leaving to get more Proud Boys in Republican Party offices or local government seats and that he wanted to focus on the Florida chapter.{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Mak|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/28/1010328631/some-proud-boys-are-moving-to-local-politics-as-scrutiny-of-far-right-group-ramp|title=Some Proud Boys Are Moving To Local Politics As Scrutiny Of Far-Right Group Ramps Up|website=NPR|department=All Things Considered|date=June 28, 2021|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505174921/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/28/1010328631/some-proud-boys-are-moving-to-local-politics-as-scrutiny-of-far-right-group-ramp|url-status=live}} At the time, Tarrio insisted the group had some 30,000 members nationwide, although he could not provide evidence to support the claim.

Trial, conviction, and pardon for seditious conspiracy

Tarrio was indicted in D.C. federal court on a conspiracy charge by the Justice Department for his involvement in organizing the January 6 attack in March 2022.{{cite news |last1=Hsu |first1=Spencer |last2=Barrett |first2=Devlin |title=Longtime Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio charged with conspiracy in Jan. 6 attack on Capitol |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/08/enrique-tarrio-indicted-proud-boys/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 8, 2022 |access-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308171041/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/08/enrique-tarrio-indicted-proud-boys/ |url-status=live }} Tarrio was detained pending trial.{{Cite web |last1=Kunzelman |first1=Michael |last2=Whitehurst |first2=Lindsay |date=2023-05-04 |title=Ex-Proud Boys leader Tarrio guilty of Jan. 6 sedition plot |url=https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-enrique-tarrio-seditious-conspiracy-trial-f8738f17552cda21eef6d89504da2a0e |access-date=2023-05-04 |work=Associated Press News |language=en |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504152321/https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-enrique-tarrio-seditious-conspiracy-trial-f8738f17552cda21eef6d89504da2a0e |url-status=live }} In June 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Tarrio and four other top Proud Boys lieutenants on more serious seditious conspiracy charges.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/06/06/tarrio-proud-boys-seditious-conpiracy/ |title=Proud Boys leader Tarrio, 4 top lieutenants charged with seditious conspiracy in widening Jan 6 case |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Spencer |last=Hsu |date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-date=June 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625115412/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/06/06/tarrio-proud-boys-seditious-conpiracy/ |url-status=live }}United States District Court for the District of Columbia June 6, 2022: [https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/press-release/file/1510791/download Third Superseding Indictment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607112502/https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/press-release/file/1510791/download |date=June 7, 2022 }}, United States v. Tarrio, et al. (PDF), (see page 8)

Jury selection for the trial of Tarrio and four co-defendants (Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola) began on December 19, 2022, after US District Judge Timothy J. Kelly denied defense attorneys' last-minute bid for a delay.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-trial-begins-f6ddc3072ab1a855f9af038dcd3584cc|title=Jury selection begins in major 1/6 Proud Boys sedition trial|first1=Michael|last1=Kunzelman|first2=Alanna Durkin|last2=Richer|work=Associated Press|date=December 19, 2022|access-date=December 22, 2022|archive-date=December 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222162644/https://apnews.com/article/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-trial-begins-f6ddc3072ab1a855f9af038dcd3584cc|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-jan-6-trial-seditious-conspiracy/|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and subordinates go to trial in Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy case|first=Robert|last=Legare|website=CBS News|date=December 19, 2022|access-date=December 19, 2022|archive-date=December 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219110554/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-jan-6-trial-seditious-conspiracy/|url-status=live}} Opening statements were made on January 12, 2023.{{cite web|first1=Dareh|last1=Gregorian|first2=Daniel|last2=Barnes|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/proud-boys-sedition-trial-opening-arguments-begin-rcna62561|title=Proud Boys sedition trial moves forward with opening arguments|website=NBC News|date=January 12, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505171411/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/proud-boys-sedition-trial-opening-arguments-begin-rcna62561|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Legare|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-trial-verdict/|title=Proud Boys members, ex-leader Enrique Tarrio guilty in seditious conspiracy trial|website=CBS News|date=May 4, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504154229/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-trial-verdict/|url-status=live}} The trial was slowed as Tarrio's counsel clashed with the judge; Judge Kelly denied at least 10 requests from Tarrio's legal team for a mistrial.{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2023 |title=Bickering bogs down Capitol riot trial of Proud Boys leaders |url=https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-proud-boys-timothy-kelly-20648ad33f958aa2d6f0dbd80a2474ad |access-date=February 13, 2023 |work=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906033925/https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-proud-boys-timothy-kelly-20648ad33f958aa2d6f0dbd80a2474ad |url-status=live }}

The trial lasted more than three months and featured dozens of witnesses. Evidence introduced at trial against Tarrio and his co-defendants included videos, thousands of messages on encrypted group chats among Proud Boys leadership, as well as public messages on Parler, from both before and on January 6.{{cite news|first1=Adriana|last1=Usero|first2=Rachel|last2=Weiner|first3=Spencer|last3=Hsu|first4=Frank|last4=Hulley-Jones|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2023/proud-boys-trial-timeline-jan6-videos-chats/|title=Proud Boys revealed: Videos, secret chats show how Jan. 6 plot unfolded|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 5, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506111246/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2023/proud-boys-trial-timeline-jan6-videos-chats/|url-status=live}} Tarrio had convened a "Ministry of Self Defense" (or "MOSD") to coordinate Proud Boys leadership on January 6. The chats showed that Tarrio, stationed in a Baltimore hotel room, encouraged the Proud Boys as they attacked the Capitol.{{cite web|first=Kyle|last=Cheney|authorlink=Kyle Cheney (journalist)|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/04/proud-boys-leader-found-guilty-of-seditious-conspiracy-for-driving-jan-6-attack-00095292|title=Proud Boys leader found guilty of seditious conspiracy for driving Jan. 6 attack|website=Politico|date=May 4, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 6, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230506061659/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/04/proud-boys-leader-found-guilty-of-seditious-conspiracy-for-driving-jan-6-attack-00095292|url-status=live}} Having been barred from D.C. by a judge, Tarrio was not in D.C. during the attack.{{Cite news |last1=Simon|first1=Mallory |last2=Sidner|first2=Sara|last3=Rappard|first3=Anna-Maja|date=February 26, 2021|title=Proud Boys leader has no sympathy for lawmakers targeted by Capitol riot|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/25/politics/capitol-riot-proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-soh/index.html|access-date=February 26, 2021|website=CNN |archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226045212/https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/25/politics/capitol-riot-proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-soh/index.html|url-status=live}}

On January 6, Tarrio told his followers on social media, "Do what must be done"; later, in an encrypted group chat, he directed other Proud Boys to "Do it again." In another message, Tarrio wrote, "Make no mistake. We did this." Prosecutors also introduced evidence that Tarrio had discussed with associates a plan to have a large crowd in Washington storm government buildings, a scheme that the Proud Boys dubbed "1776 Returns", in which "The Winter Palace" was used as apparent code for the US Capitol.

Tarrio chose not to take the stand to testify in his own defense. A key prosecution witness was former Proud Boy Jeremy Bertino, a former lieutenant of Tarrio who after the January 6 attack pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy and cooperated with the government. On the stand, Bertino implicated Tarrio and his codefendants in the conspiracy, testifying that their objective was to subvert the election results.{{cite news|first1=Alan|last1=Feuer|first2=Zach|last2=Montague|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/us/politics/proud-boys-jan-6-trial-bertino.html|title=Prosecution's Witness at Proud Boys Trial Shows Complexities of the Case|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 1, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510004357/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/us/politics/proud-boys-jan-6-trial-bertino.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first1=Spencer S.|last1=Hsu|first2=Tom|last2=Jackman|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/02/22/proudboys-bertino-testimony-jan6-trial-tarrio/|title=Star U.S. witness says Proud Boys took 'reins,' led Jan. 6 riot by example|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 22, 2023|access-date=May 5, 2023|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321161421/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/02/22/proudboys-bertino-testimony-jan6-trial-tarrio/|url-status=live}}

In its closing argument, the prosecutors said that the evidence showed that the Proud Boys viewed themselves as "Trump's army"; were "willing to commit violence on his behalf"; and were committed to "all-out war" to keep Trump in power and to stop Biden from taking office. The defendants' lawyers sought to depict the Proud Boys as merely a glorified "drinking club", and Tarrio's lawyers sought to shift responsibility to Trump himself. On May 4, 2023, the jury issued its verdict, finding Tarrio, Nordean, Biggs, and Rehl guilty of seditious conspiracy.

Tarrio was also convicted of obstruction of Congress (for interfering with Congress's counting of the electoral votes); of obstructing law enforcement; and of two additional counts of conspiracy. Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of other felonies. Tarrio and his Proud Boys lieutenants were the second group of far-right leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the January 6 insurrection; Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and his deputy Kelly Meggs were convicted of the same offense the previous year.

On September 5, 2023, Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison, the longest handed to a January 6 offender.{{cite web|author=Hannah Rabinowitz|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/05/politics/enrique-tarrio-sentencing-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy/index.html|title=Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 22 years in prison, longest for a January 6 defendant|work=CNN|date=September 5, 2023|access-date=September 6, 2023|archive-date=September 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906132009/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/05/politics/enrique-tarrio-sentencing-proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Kunzelman |first1=Michael |last2=Whitehurst |first2=Lindsay |last3=Durkin |first3=Alanna |date=September 6, 2023 |title='Act of terrorism': Proud Boys' Enrique Tarrio gets record 22 years for Capitol riot role |url=https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/act-of-terrorism-proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-gets-record-22-years-for-capitol-riot-role-20230906-p5e2bf.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906011310/https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/act-of-terrorism-proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-gets-record-22-years-for-capitol-riot-role-20230906-p5e2bf.html |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |access-date=September 8, 2023 |work=The Age}} Tarrio's sentence included a terrorism enhancement, indicating Tarrio's actions influenced "the conduct of government by intimidation and coercion".{{cite news |last1=Feuer |first1=Alan |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Ex-Leader of Proud Boys Sentenced to 22 Years in Jan. 6 Sedition Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/us/politics/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentenced.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905215257/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/us/politics/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentenced.html |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} Before he was sentenced, Tarrio begged the judge, "Please show me mercy, I ask you that you not take my 40s from me."{{cite news|first1=Mike|last1=Wendling|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66712589|title=Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio jailed for 22 years for Capitol riot|newspaper=BBC News|date=7 September 2023|access-date=September 11, 2023|archive-date=September 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910155553/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66712589|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/former-proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-gets-record-22-years-in-prison-for-jan-6-seditious-conspiracy|title=Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio gets record 22 years in prison for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy|date=September 5, 2023|website=PBS NewsHour|access-date=September 11, 2023|archive-date=September 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910205120/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/former-proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-gets-record-22-years-in-prison-for-jan-6-seditious-conspiracy|url-status=live}}

Tarrio was incarcerated for less than two years at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock, Louisiana. Originally scheduled for release in 2040,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/|title=Inmate Locator|access-date=March 7, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618072724/https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/|url-status=live}} he was pardoned by President Trump on January 20, 2025, and returned to his home in Miami two days later. He said on a podcast that he wanted "retribution" against those responsible for his incarceration. When USA Today asked him to clarify, he said: "I want investigations...In the case that nothing's found, I'll move on to the next thing."{{Cite news|last=Feuer |first=Alan |title=Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Rioters and Signs Order on TikTok |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/20/us/trump-executive-orders/de4366eb-f121-5e47-8838-eedd73944051?smid=url-share |date=January 20, 2025 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |url-access=subscription |quote=The lawyer for Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys who is serving a 22-year sentence on a seditious conspiracy conviction connected to Jan. 6, said Tarrio is currently being processed for release from a federal prison in Louisiana. Even though Trump has not yet formally granted clemency to Jan. 6 defendants, the lawyer, Nayib Hassan, said Tarrio could be out of prison by as early as Monday night.}}{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Will |date=January 24, 2025 |title=Proud Boys' Enrique Tarrio tells all: Wants accusers to 'feel the heat', weighs sheriff run |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/24/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-leader-first-interview/77933341007/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}

File:Enrique Tarrio by Gage Skidmore.jpg]]

In February 2025, Tarrio and several other Proud Boys attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. After the conference ended, Tarrio returned to the Capitol building, where he was arrested for striking a female protester's arm.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Ella |date=February 21, 2025 |title=Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio arrested near Capitol |url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5158030-proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-arrested/ |accessdate=February 22, 2025 |work=The Hill |publisher=}}{{Cite web |last=Delaney |first=Arthur |date=2025-02-21 |title=Former Proud Boys Leader Arrested As Group Stages Triumphant Return To Capitol |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/enrique-tarrior-arrested-capitol_n_67b8db2fe4b08806ed59a8ec |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=2025-02-21 |title=Enrique Tarrio, Ex-Proud Boys Leader, Arrested on Charges of Assault Outside Capitol |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/us/politics/tarrio-proud-boys-capitol.html |access-date=2025-02-23 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} While in D.C., he also confronted a group of police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 attack. Tarrio accused the officers of being "cowards", while one of the officers, Michael Fanone, called Tarrio a "traitor".{{Cite news |last=Greve |first=Joan E. |date=2025-02-22 |title=Enrique Tarrio follows and insults officers who defended US Capitol on January 6 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/22/enrique-tarrio-capitol-police |access-date=2025-02-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} A month later, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, Ed Martin, said he would not prosecute Tarrio and that the police officer who arrested him should be reprimanded.{{Cite news |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=2025-03-19 |title=Ex-Proud Boys leader is said to no longer be facing criminal prosecution over his arrest on assault charges. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/03/19/us/trump-news/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-charges-dropped?smid=url-share#enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-charges-dropped |access-date=2025-03-20 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

On May 3, 2025, Tarrio and his mother dined at Mar-a-Lago on the invitation of one of the country club's members. When Trump walked by, they spoke for about 10 minutes. Tarrio later said he personally thanked Trump for the pardon, and Trump replied: "I love you guys."{{Cite web |last=Feuer |first=Alan |last2=Haberman |first2=Maggie |date=2025-05-04 |title=Proud Boys’ Ex-Leader Thanks Trump for Pardon at Mar-a-Lago Encounter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/us/politics/trump-tarrio-proud-boys-pardon.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504235100/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/us/politics/trump-tarrio-proud-boys-pardon.html |archive-date=May 4, 2025 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=New York Times}}

Personal life

Tarrio is of Cuban heritage and identifies as Afro-Cuban.{{cite news |last=Ceballos |first=Joshua |date=September 30, 2020 |title=Proud Boys Respond to Trump's Debate Night Comments |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-responds-to-trumps-presidential-debate-comments-11701163 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005212044/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-enrique-tarrio-responds-to-trumps-presidential-debate-comments-11701163 |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=October 6, 2020 |work=Miami New Times}} He is divorced, having had a brief marriage in his 20s.{{cite web | url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526 | title=Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Was Once a Regular Miami Kid. Now He's in Jail | access-date=September 7, 2021 | archive-date=September 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907214405/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/proud-boys-leader-enrique-henry-tarrio-was-once-a-regular-miami-kid-12889526 | url-status=live }}