The trial will provide an in-depth look at a group that has become an influential force in mainstream Republican politics.
Defense attorneys argue that the group’s high profile made Tarrio a target for authorities looking for a scapegoat for the riot. His lawyer Sabino Jauregui accused prosecutors of deceptively stitching together offensive online messages and said Tarrio actually tried to keep his Proud Boys out of fights by talking to police before rallies.
Defense attorneys also say there was never any plan to go into the Capitol or stop Congress’ certification of the electoral vote won by Biden. A message that Tarrio posted on social media before Jan. 6 said, “Lords of War” over a photo of Pezzola with hashtags ”#J6″ and ”#J20.”Tarrio’s lieutenants were part of the first wave of rioters to push onto Capitol grounds and charge past police barricades toward the building, according to prosecutors.
The Justice Department has charged nearly 1,000 people across the United States over the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection, and its investigation continues to grow. Among those are Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and Florida chapter leader Kelly Meggs, who were convicted of conspiring to block the transfer of presidential power from Trump, a Republican, to Biden, a Democrat. Three other Oath Keepers were acquitted of the charge. They were, however, convicted of other serious charges.
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