By The newspaper
Aug 31, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
Joe Biggs, a leading figure in the far-right group Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Biggs, a 38-year-old US Army veteran and former correspondent for Infowars, an American conspiracy theory website, was considered an “instigator” of the assault on Congress.
He was found guilty of charges including seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to use intimidation or threats against officials and interference with law enforcement during civil unrest, the BBC reports.
The sentence was handed down by US District Judge Timothy Kelly and is less than the 33-year sentence requested by prosecutors.
Either way, this sentence is among the longest handed down in relation to the events of that day and comes as legal proceedings against those involved in the riot continue.
Joe Biggs: “remorse” for the assault on the Capitol
In court, Biggs expressed remorse for his actions and asked for leniency. He apologized for his involvement, attributing his actions to being “seduced” by the crowd on that fateful day. He claimed that he was “not a terrorist” and that his curiosity had led him astray.
According to the BBC, prosecutors argued that Biggs used his military experience to orchestrate and lead groups of individuals in an attempt to lead an “anti-government revolt”.
Furthermore, they claimed that Biggs and the Proud Boys aimed to start a “second American revolution” by forceful means.
Judge Kelly, while acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, stated that the January 6 riot was less serious than other mass casualty incidents. The judge considered that a stricter sentence could create disparities among those convicted in similar cases.
Biggs’ trial was held at the same time as that of four other Proud Boys members, including former president Enrique Tarrio. Tarrio’s sentencing was postponed and prosecutors requested a 33-year sentence. Rioters, including those from the Proud Boys, plan to appeal their convictions.
Keep reading:
Department of Justice requests 33 years in prison for former leader of the Proud Boys in case of assault on the Capitol
Former Hispanic leader of the Proud Boys was convicted of seditious conspiracy for assault on the Capitol