A federal judge on Friday dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against several Proud Boys members, granting a request from the Trump administration and undoing one of the Biden administration’s most celebrated victories against those who inspired the January 6 protests at the Capitol.

Background

The case involved four Proud Boys members: Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola. They were found guilty in 2023 of seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the January 6 protests.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, said he lacked the authority to compel the Executive to pursue a prosecution. The Trump administration had sought to treat this case like other January 6 cases, without regard for the seriousness of the conduct at issue.

Reaction

One of the Proud Boys members, Zachary Rehl, celebrated the dismissal on social media, saying, “Finally, it’s all over! January 6th can now be a thing of the past for me!” Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the group, also praised the decision, saying, “Justice is served! Proud Boys don’t lose. We win. This is our victory.”

President Trump has long maintained that the January 6 prosecutions were an injustice against his supporters, referring to those in jail as “hostages.” He has also called the January 6 protests a “day of love and peace” and claimed his supporters posed “zero threat.”

However, hundreds of video clips show Trump supporters engaging in violent behavior, including beating police with flagpoles, batons, and baseball bats, and deploying stun guns and chemical sprays.

Conclusion

The judge’s decision to dismiss the case against the Proud Boys members has significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the January 6 protests. The case highlights the complexities and challenges of prosecuting those involved in the protests, and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.