Proud Boys leader, top members charged with seditious conspiracy for Jan 6

WASHINGTON

A federal grand jury charged former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and other senior members with seditious conspiracy on Monday for their alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

The superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Washington, D.C. In addition to Tarrio, 38, the grand jury charged Ethan Nordean, 31; Joseph Biggs, 38; Zachary Rehl, 37; and Dominic Pezzola, 44.

All of the men were allegedly members or leaders of the group's Ministry of Self Defense, which was created in the month leading up to the insurrection.

In March, they were charged with conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and other counts, and have pleaded not guilty.

In addition to adding the seditious conspiracy charge, the indictment unsealed on Monday also includes one count of conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging any duties. Each of the men now face nine charges, and Pezzola faces an additional charge of robbery, according to the Justice Department.

They are scheduled to appear in court June 9.

"On Jan. 6, 2021, the defendants directed, mobilized and led members of the crowd onto the Capitol grounds and into the Capitol, leading to dismantling of metal barricades, destruction of property, breaching of the Capitol building, and assaults on law enforcement," the Justice Department said in a statement.

Over 800 individuals have been arrested in relation to the Capitol riot, which saw former President Donald Trump's supporters overrun the federal legislature in a failed attempt to prevent President Joe Biden from assuming office.