Federal prosecutors on Friday night announced the first conspiracy charge against members of the Proud Boys over the group’s role in the deadly January 6 riot in the Capitol.
Prosecutors said in a news release that two members of the far-right “Western Chauvinist” group conspired to obstruct police efforts to protect the Capitol from the crowd. The members, Dominic Pezzola of Rochester, NY, and William Pepe of Beacon, NY, had already been charged on Jan. 6 with minor violations of their activities.
The new charges were a significant increase in prosecutors’ actions against Proud Boys members. More than 170 people have been charged in connection with the riots, though most on minor allegations such as disorderly conduct and illegal entry.
Earlier, conspiracy charges were also filed against three members of the militia, the Oath Keepers, over their alleged role in the chaos on Capitol Hill.
Prosecutors said Pezzola and Pepe “on January 6, 2021, had a conspiracy to obstruct, influence, obstruct and interfere with law enforcement. ”
“It is alleged that Pezzola and Pepe took steps to evade and render ineffective the protective equipment deployed by the Capitol Police in active riot control measures, including actions to remove temporary metal barriers erected by the Capitol Police for controlling access to the Capitol Grounds. , and the theft and care of property belonging to the Capitol Police, ”the Justice Department said in the press release.
It is also said that Pezzola snatched a riot shield from the Capitol police officer while the officer tried to push back the rioters. Files found when FBI agents raided his home indicated he was investigating “Advanced Improvised Explosives”, “Explosive Dusts” and “Ragnar’s Big Book of Homemade Weapons”.
Pezzola’s attorney Michael Scibetta told The New York Times on Friday night that he had not yet seen the new conspiracy charge and that he was barred from seeing his client.
“The case is evolving,” Scibetta said.
The Proud Boys, a group known for advocating racist views, gained national fame after videos were circulated of members engaging in violent street fights with members of Antifa, the loose collection of anti-fascist agitators. Their profile only grew when former President Trump
Donald TrumpPalm Beach Reviewing Trump’s Right of Residence at Mar-a-Lago Immigration Reform Can’t Wait for the Money: Five Questions About the GameStop Controversy | Biden, Yellen calls for faster action on new aid MORE refused to explicitly condemn them during a presidential debate, saying “stand back and stand by”, a remark the group considers supportive.
They investigated prosecutors after videos showed members attending the riots that led to the deaths of several people.
At least four other members of the Proud Boys have been charged so far with the uprising, which has unsuccessfully tried to stop Congress from certifying the election results, showing that Trump has lost to current President Biden.