Looking back at 2023: Proud Boys leader cried when sentenced to 17 years for Capitol Riot

The year 2023 was full of ups and downs, but perhaps one of the most satisfying moments for many was when one of the leaders of the far-right group the Proud Boys cried while being sentenced to seventeen years behind bars.

In September 2023, several media outlets have reported that US Army veteran Joe Biggs, 38, known for his far-right affiliation with the Proud Boys, has received a 17-year prison sentence, marking one of the lengthiest penalties related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.

Photo: Seminole County Jail

As reported by The Guardian, prosecutors labelled Biggs an "instigator" of the attack on Congress. He was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other charges in May of 2023.

In a courtroom plea, Biggs (pictured left) expressed remorse for his actions and requested leniency. However, the sentence imposed by US District Judge Timothy Kelly is shorter than federal sentencing guidelines and the 33-year sentence sought by prosecutors.

According to the BBC, another Proud Boys member, Zachary Rehl, a former US Marine and leader of the Philadelphia branch, received a 15-year sentence on a charge of seditious conspiracy on August 31.

The Independent reported that Biggs, who served in the Iraq war and previously worked as a correspondent for Infowars, faced a range of charges, including seditious conspiracy, intimidation of officials, and interference with law enforcement during civil disorder.

Prosecutors argued that he leveraged his military background to command large groups in an attempt to overthrow the government.

According to a sentencing memo, Biggs saw himself as part of a "second American revolution" and believed in retaking the government through force.

In court, Biggs tearfully apologized for his actions, claiming he had been "seduced" by the crowd during the riot. He asserted that he was not a terrorist and did not harbour hatred.

"I just moved forward. My curiosity got the better of me," Biggs told the court. "I'm not a terrorist. I don't have hate in my heart." He admitted, "I know that I have to be punished, and I understand."

Biggs faced trial alongside four other Proud Boys members, including former chair Enrique Tarrio, whose sentencing was postponed.

Prosecutors were seeking a 33-year sentence for Tarrio. However, in the end Tarrio was sentenced to just 22 years.

The Washington Post reported that federal prosecutor Jason McCullough emphasized the gravity of the crimes and argued that a stiff sentence would send a message ahead of future elections.

McCullough highlighted the fact that the Proud Boys played a coordinated role in attempting to halt the certification of the 2020 election at the Capitol.

Using text messages, social media posts, and videos, prosecutors demonstrated the Proud Boys' involvement in the orchestrated effort to disrupt the certification process.

The BBC highlighted that since August 6, 2023, over 1,100 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol riot, resulting in over 630 guilty pleas and 110 convictions.

Furthermore, in May, Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, another prominent participant in the riot, received an 18-year prison sentence.