Proud Boys Ex-Member Dominic Pezzola Sentenced to 10 Years in January 6 Attack
Date: September 2, 2023 , Florida
Proud Boys Ex-Member Dominic Pezzola Sentenced to 10 Years in January 6 Attack In a significant development regarding the aftermath of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, former Proud Boy member Dominic Pezzola has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly. The sentencing comes following Pezzola’s conviction for his actions during the insurrection, which included obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting a federal officer.
Proud Boys Ex-Member Dominic Pezzola Sentenced to 10 Years in January 6 Attack While Pezzola was not considered a leader within the Proud Boys, Judge Kelly noted that he was a prominent member who held influence over the events of January 6th. The sentencing includes a three-year supervised release and a $700 fine.
In a surprising moment, as he left the courtroom, Pezzola shouted, “Trump won!” This statement underscores the deep-seated political tensions and fervor surrounding the events of January 6th.
Judge Kelly’s decision to apply an enhancement, which labeled Pezzola’s crimes as acts of terrorism aimed at influencing the actions of the government through threats and the use of force, further highlights the seriousness of the charges. Pezzola was the only one among five Proud Boys to be acquitted of seditious conspiracy, although he was convicted for other offenses related to the Capitol attack.
Prosecutors had initially sought a 20-year prison term for Pezzola, arguing that he was among a select group that led the charge on the Capitol. Pezzola had previously testified that he used a stolen police riot shield to break into the Capitol, enabling other rioters to breach the building.
Once inside, Pezzola was reported to have filmed himself celebrating inside the Capitol and expressed confidence in the ability to take control of the building if they persevered.
Prosecutors also highlighted Pezzola’s involvement in violently and forcefully seizing an officer’s shield and pulling him to the ground, demonstrating the extreme nature of his actions during the attack.
Pezzola’s defense argued that he had gotten “caught up in all the craziness” of January 6th and had spent only 23 minutes inside the Capitol, during which time he fumbled with his phone. They requested a five-year sentence for their client.
In an apparent attempt to express remorse, Pezzola told the court that he is a “changed and humbled man” who “messed up.” However, his post-sentencing declaration of support for former President Donald Trump underscored the complex emotions and political divisions surrounding the attack and its aftermath.
This sentencing follows similar actions taken against other prominent Proud Boys, including Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, who were sentenced to 17 and 15 years in prison, respectively. These sentences represent some of the longest handed down in connection with the Capitol attack. Another Proud Boy, Ethan Nordean, is set to be sentenced, with prosecutors requesting 27 years in prison for his role in the events of January 6th.
The sentencing of former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio is also forthcoming, scheduled for next Tuesday. These legal actions reflect the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the unprecedented events of January 6th, 2021.
