Following their release by President Trump’s clemency, two far-right leaders, Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, expressed their desire for revenge against those who prosecuted them for their involvement in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Both men had been serving lengthy prison sentences for seditious conspiracy convictions arising from their roles in the storming of the Capitol, making them among the most serious cases from that day. They carefully avoided specifying the future of their organizations in a potential second Trump administration but echoed sentiments that those holding Trump and Jan. 6 rioters accountable should face repercussions.
Enrique Tarrio, recently released from prison, called into Alex Jones’ show to thank Trump for his release and insisted that the trial that found him guilty of sedition was unfair and biased against Trump supporters. He expressed a desire for revenge against those who prosecuted him and insisted that they should face consequences. Stewart Rhodes made similar statements upon his release, expressing hope that Trump’s pick for FBI director would “clean house” and accusing prosecutors of breaking the law. He had been sentenced for his involvement in the Capitol riot and remained unapologetic about his actions.
The federal prosecutions of Jan. 6 rioters severely impacted the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers organizations, with many members arrested and convicted, leading to the dissolution of the Oath Keepers and the restructuring of the Proud Boys. Despite this, some rank-and-file members of the Proud Boys remain active, as demonstrated by their presence in Washington on Inauguration Day with a banner congratulating Trump. Tarrio hinted at the continued existence of the Proud Boys, emphasizing their commitment to protecting Trump supporters, while Rhodes was less clear about the future of the Oath Keepers, mentioning the possibility of stepping back from his leadership role.
Both Tarrio and Rhodes remained unrepentant about their actions on January 6 and expressed no regrets, believing they did the right thing by standing up against what they perceived as a stolen election. They emphasized seeking revenge against those involved in their prosecution and declared a desire for retribution. While their organizations have faced significant challenges as a result of the federal investigations, the leaders’ unwillingness to back down suggests that they do not intend to fade quietly into the background. Their defiance and calls for punishment for their prosecutors indicate a continued commitment to their far-right ideologies and a willingness to fight back against perceived injustices.
