Two leaders of the Proud Boys convicted of seditious conspiracy are set to be sentenced Thursday, both of whom are potentially facing what would be the longest prison terms yet to be handed down in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Prosecutors are seeking 33 years in prison for Joe Biggs, the former leader of the Proud Boys' Florida chapter, and 30 years for Zachary Rehl, the former leader of the group's Philadelphia chapter.
Biggs, a U.S. army veteran, was leader of the group's Florida chapter and a close ally of the former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio.
Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Prosecutors have characterized Biggs as the "tip of the spear" for the mob throughout the Capitol attack in his role as co-leader of the so-called "Ministry of Self Defense," a planning team that later evolved into the Proud Boys' ground operation on Jan. 6.
"The evidence at trial demonstrated that Biggs was a vocal leader and influential proponent of the group's shift toward political violence," prosecutors said in their sentencing memo for Biggs. "More than perhaps any other, Biggs appreciated the tactical advantage that his force had that day, and he understood the significance of his actions against his own government."
They pointed to increasingly threatening and violent rhetoric espoused by Biggs in the days after the November 2020 election leading up to the Jan. 6 attack -- and noted that he had encouraged Tarrio to "get radical and get real men" only hours after former President Donald Trump first announced plans for his supporters to rally in Washington on the day of the certification.
Proud Boys organizer Joe Biggs addresses the crowd in Portland, Ore., as they gather in Delta Park, Sept. 26, 2020.
Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa USA via AP
During the assault on the Capitol, prosecutors argued Biggs played a major role in four separate breaches of law enforcement lines and after entering the building made his way to the Senate chamber.
After Jan. 6, Biggs recorded a podcast-style interview where he celebrated the attack as a "warning shot to the government" that showed them "how weak they truly are."
Rehl helped lead the charge on Jan. 6 and was among the first wave of rioters to breach the Capitol. Rehl helped overwhelm officers, spraying one in the face with an irritant spray, according to the sentencing memo.
Proud Boys member Zachary Rehl walks toward the U.S. Capitol in Washington, in support of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Rehl later made posts on social media calling Jan. 6 a "historical day," and told his mother how proud he was of the Proud Boys' Captiol attack, according to the sentencing memo.
The sentences are set to be handed down by U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly, and could be an indicator of what Tarrio could face when he is sentenced next Tuesday. Prosecutors are also recommending Tarrio serve 33 years behind bars for his leadership role in the seditious conspiracy.
Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump breach security and enter the Capitol building, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Any sentence above 18 years would be the longest for any individual convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 riot, a term that was handed down back in May to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Prosecutors sought 25 years for him and are currently appealing his sentence from U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, arguing it's too lenient for the crimes he was convicted of.
