Dominic Pezzola, a member of the Proud Boys who played a leading role in the January 6th Capitol attack, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Pezzola was found guilty of six felonies, including assaulting a police officer, conspiracy to obstruct the certification of the election, and destruction of a window at the Capitol. While he was acquitted of the charge of sedition, he was convicted of several other crimes.
Pezzola, a flooring contractor from Rochester, NY, was the only one among the five men charged in the case who was found not guilty of sedition. However, the jury convicted him of the other charges, establishing his role in the attack. Pezzola expressed remorse in court and claimed to have given up on politics. However, upon being removed from the courtroom, he raised his fist and shouted, “Trump won!”
During the trial, video clips showing Pezzola shattering a window at the Capitol with a stolen police riot shield became iconic images of the attack. These videos were showcased not only at the trial, but also during public hearings by the House select committee investigating the events of January 6th.
Pezzola’s sentencing took place at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., one day after Joseph Biggs, a former top lieutenant in the Proud Boys, received a 17-year sentence. Zachary Rehl, a former Proud Boys Philadelphia chapter leader, was sentenced to 15 years. Two more members of the group, Ethan Nordean and Enrique Tarrio, will also be sentenced in the coming days.
Prosecutors argued that Pezzola was the most aggressive of the five defendants in the case, emphasizing his significant role in the conspiracy. They described him as an “enthusiastic foot soldier” who actively participated in the political violence that occurred on January 6th.
Pezzola’s defense attorney acknowledged that his client became notorious after being featured on the front page of The Washington Post following an earlier pro-Trump rally. However, the attorney argued that Pezzola was a relative newcomer to the Proud Boys and was not as prominent as other members.
While Pezzola’s defense attempted to downplay his role, Judge Timothy J. Kelly emphasized the significance of his actions. The judge acknowledged that Pezzola was not as well-known as some of the other Proud Boys, but noted that he was responsible for breaking a window and allowing other rioters to enter the Capitol. Judge Kelly stated that Pezzola played a pivotal role in the attack.
Pezzola’s case raises broader questions about the application of sentencing enhancements related to terrorism. Although the judge acknowledged that the enhancement technically applied to Pezzola’s case, he recognized that the Proud Boys did not engage in typical acts of terrorism. The enhancement was based on charges related to property damage and Pezzola’s role in allowing other rioters to continue their assault on the Capitol.
The sentencing of Proud Boys members involved in the Capitol attack serves as a significant prosecution in one of the most consequential cases arising from the events of January 6th. As more sentences are handed down in the coming days, the legal consequences for those involved in the attack are becoming increasingly apparent.