'Corrupt and politically motivated': Trump-pardoned Proud Boys sue government for $100 million, allege persecution of political allies
5 Proud Boys sue US government over January 6 prosecutions
Five leaders of the far-right Proud Boys group are suing the US government for $100 million, claiming their constitutional rights were violated during their prosecution for involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Florida, accuses FBI agents and federal prosecutors of political bias and misconduct. The men, Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola, argue they were targeted because of their support for US President Donald Trump.
All five were convicted for plotting or participating in the riot, which aimed to block the certification of former President Joe Biden's 2020 election win.
They were sentenced to prison, with Tarrio receiving 22 years, the longest sentence among them, after being found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other charges.
Earlier this year, Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of the group members, part of a wave of around 1,500 pardons he issued on Inauguration Day. "These people have been destroyed," Trump said at the time. "What they've done to these people is outrageous.
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The lawsuit alleges 'egregious and systemic abuse of the legal system,' including claims of evidence tampering and witness intimidation. It argues their prosecution was 'corrupt and politically motivated,' aimed at punishing Trump's political allies.
The suit is directed at the department of justice, now led by attorney general Pam Bondi under the Trump administration. The department has not yet commented on the case.
As of January, more than 1,500 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Over 600 face charges for assaulting or resisting police, with many accused of using dangerous weapons.
Trump has continued to defend the events of January 6, calling it a 'day of love,' while critics, including former house speaker Nancy Pelosi, have condemned the pardons as a serious blow to the justice system.
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