Trump pardons Joseph Biggs: the Proud Boys leader who cried when sentenced

As promised, American President Donald Trump freed more than 1500 individuals who had been charged for their roles in the US Capitol riot that happened four years ago. Among those released was Joseph Biggs, a former Proud Boys leader.

As reported by ABC News, after less than 24 hours of Trump's pardoning, Joseph Biggs, who was one of the most prominent leaders of the Proud Boys involved in the attempts to violently overturn the 2020 election, was a free man and walked out of prison.

Back in September 2023, several media outlets reported that US Army veteran Joe Biggs, 38, known for his far-right affiliation with the Proud Boys, received a 17-year prison sentence, 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 cried as he requested leniency. However, the sentence imposed by US District Judge Timothy Kelly was shorter than federal sentencing guidelines and the 33-year sentence sought by prosecutors.

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 in 2023, 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, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the Capitol riot.

Like Biggs, Enrique Tarrio is now also a free man, thanks to to a pardon signed by Donald Trump.

Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, another prominent participant in the riot, received an 18-year prison sentence in May 2023. As reported by the BBC Rhodes did not receive a pardon but instead had his sentence commuted.

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.

Despite the severity of their crimes Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentences of the Proud Boys, members of the Oath Keeps and all of charged for their involvement with the Capitol Riot.

Additionally, according to the BBC, Donald Trump has issued an order for the Department of Justice to dismiss all ongoing cases against individuals charged in connection with the riot.

Numerous individuals involved with the riot have been incarcerated in Washington D.C. for over a year, with Trump frequently describing them as "hostages" during his campaign while they awaited their trials.

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