Federal prosecutors announced Friday night the first charges of conspiracy against members of the Proud Boys for the group’s role in the deadly January 6 revolt at the Capitol.
Prosecutors said in a press release that two members of the far-right “Western chauvinist” group conspired to obstruct law enforcement efforts to protect the Capitol from the mob. Members, Dominic Pezzola of Rochester, New York, and William Pepe of Beacon, New York, had already been charged with misdemeanors for their activities on Jan. 6.
The new charges represented a substantial step in prosecutors ’actions against Proud Boys members. More than 170 people have been charged with the riot, though most have been for minor allegations, such as disorderly conduct and illegal entry.
Conspiracy charges were also announced against three members of the militia group The Oath Keepers for their alleged role in the chaos on Capitol Hill.
Prosecutors said Pezzola and Pepe “participated in a conspiracy to obstruct, influence, impede and interfere with police officers committed to their official duties to protect the U.S. Capitol and its lands on Jan. 6. 2021 “.
“It is alleged that Pezzola and Pepe took steps to circumvent and render ineffective the protective equipment deployed by the Capitoline police in active riot control measures, including actions to remove temporary metal barricades erected by the Capitol police. Capitol with the aim of controlling access to the Capitol premises, and the theft and robbery of property belonging to the Capitol police, “the Justice Department said in a press release.
Pezzola is also said to have ripped off an riot shield from Capitol Police officers as the officer tried to push the riot police. Files recovered when FBI agents stormed his home indicated he had been examining “Advanced Improvised Explosives,” “Explosive Dusts,” and “Ragnar’s Great Homemade Weapons Book.”
Michael Scibetta, Pezzola’s attorney, told the New York Times Friday night that he had not yet seen the new conspiracy charges and that he was banned from seeing his client.
“The issue is evolving,” Scibetta said.
The Proud Boys, a group known for advocating racist views, gained national prominence after airing videos of members participating in violent street fights with members of Antifa, the loose collection of anti-fascist agitators. His profile only grew when he was older President Trump
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Prosecutors have analyzed after videos showed members witnessing riots that killed several people.
So far, at least four other members of the Proud Boys have been indicted for the insurgency, which tried unsuccessfully to stop Congress from certifying Electoral College results that showed Trump was losing to current President Biden.