Members of far-right group Proud Boys make “OK” hand gestures indicating “white power” as supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol building to protest certification of the results of the US presidential election of the 2020 Congress, in Washington, USA, January 6, 2021.
Jim Urquhart | Reuters
Two members of far-right nationalist group The Proud Boys were charged Friday in federal court with conspiracy to obstruct law enforcement and other charges related to their involvement in the deadly riots at the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, New York, and William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, New York, were initially charged with criminal charges and arrested earlier this month, according to a Justice Department statement. of the USA.
The men were charged Friday in DC federal court on charges of conspiracy, civil disorder, illegal entry into restricted buildings or land, and disorderly and disturbing conduct in restricted buildings or land.
Pezzola also faces obstruction charges in an official proceeding; additional civil disorder count and assistance and incitement to civil disorder; theft of U.S. personal property; assault, resist, or impede certain agents; destruction of government property; and practicing physical violence in restricted buildings or land.
Pepe was an employee of the Metro Traffic Authority who used a sick day to travel to DC for the planned riots, according to an affidavit of arrest. The agency has suspended him.
Pezzola, a former U.S. Navy officer, was filmed with a police shield to break a window to break the Capitol. Witnesses also told authorities Pezzola, known to some as “Spaz,” said he would have killed Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if given the chance, according to a sworn statement. of criminal complaint.
Prosecutors also said Pezzola posted a video on social media smoking a cigarette inside the Capitol and stating, “Smoke from victory at the Capitol, guys.”