A Trump-appointed federal judge has dismissed the January 6 case against four Proud Boys members, citing the Constitution and the executive branch’s authority. The decision comes after a federal appeals court had already vacated their convictions.

Background of the Case

The four men, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola, were convicted of various crimes related to the January 6 Capitol attack, including seditious conspiracy and destruction of government property. However, President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, executive order commuting their sentences and issuing full pardons to former Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio and hundreds of other January 6 defendants led to the Justice Department’s motion to dismiss the case.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly granted the motion, stating that the Constitution left him no choice but to respect the executive branch’s authority in charging decisions. Kelly emphasized that the decision was not an endorsement of the January 6 rioters’ actions, which he described as an attack on the people, Congress, and the Constitution’s mechanism for a peaceful transfer of power.

Reaction and Implications

The dismissal has been celebrated by some, including Tarrio, who praised President Trump for his role in the decision. However, others have expressed concern about the implications of the ruling, citing the importance of holding those responsible for the January 6 attack accountable.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.