The epoch times

Ethan Nordean, Proud Boys leader, gets historic 18-year sentence for Jan. 6 assault.

Proud Boys Leader‌ Sentenced to 18 Years in ⁢Prison for‍ Capitol Attack

WASHINGTON—In a landmark⁢ ruling, Proud Boys leader Ethan ‍Michael Nordean ‌has been sentenced to ​18 years in prison for​ his role in the⁢ attack on⁢ the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The sentencing,‌ which includes⁣ a terrorism ‌enhancement, was handed down by​ United⁣ States District Judge Timothy Kelly.

Judge Kelly’s decision to impose a harsher sentence on Nordean compared to his co-defendants demonstrates the ‌severity of his actions. However,⁣ the sentence falls short of the Department of Justice’s recommendation by nine years. Notably, this 18-year‌ sentence⁣ matches the record sentence given to Oath Keepers founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes III earlier this year.

In ⁣previous hearings, Judge Kelly also ⁢sentenced other Proud Boys ‌members involved in‍ the attack. Joseph Randall Biggs received 17 years, Zachary Rehl received 15 years, and Dominic Pezzola received 10‌ years in⁣ prison. These sentences were lower than‌ what the prosecutors had sought, but they still‌ reflect the gravity of ⁣the crimes committed.

Related ⁢Stories

The sentencing of⁤ Proud Boys chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio is scheduled for September 5, with the Department ⁢of⁤ Justice⁤ requesting a 33-year prison⁢ term.

Ethan Nordean, 33, from Auburn, Washington, was found guilty of multiple charges, including seditious conspiracy, ​obstruction of an⁣ official proceeding, and destruction of government property. Judge​ Kelly applied a terrorism enhancement ⁤to Nordean’s destruction-of-property charge, highlighting the Proud Boys’ ⁢intent to intimidate and coerce the U.S. government regarding the ‌2020 presidential election results.

Defense attorneys David B. Smith and⁤ Nicholas Smith disagreed with the terrorism enhancement, arguing for a sentencing range of 15⁢ to 21‍ months​ in prison. The Department of Justice, on the ‍other hand, sought a‍ 27-year ⁣prison term within‌ the federal sentencing guidelines range of‍ 27 to 33.75 years.

The DOJ’s use of an evidence-tampering statute in Jan. 6 cases ⁢is currently​ under review by the ‌U.S.⁤ Supreme​ Court. This novel approach alleges that defendants obstructed ⁤the ‌administration⁣ of justice during the counting⁤ of Electoral College votes, which resulted in⁤ a seven-hour ⁤delay.

Proud Boys defendant Ethan Nordean (right, mirror​ shade) on the west⁤ side of the U.S. Capitol⁤ on Jan. 6,⁤ 2021. (U.S. Department of⁤ Justice/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

During the sentencing ​hearing, Nordean, ‌also known as Rufio Panman, expressed remorse for his⁣ actions and acknowledged the tragic nature of the events on‍ January 6. He apologized for his lack of leadership that day.

Defied Police

Prosecutors presented⁢ evidence that Nordean⁣ assumed a leadership role within the Proud​ Boys during⁣ the ‌attack. ⁤With Proud Boys chairman Tarrio absent, Nordean became the de​ facto leader ‍due‌ to his physical presence and reputation for violence.

“Nordean led a group of nearly 200 men to ‍the Capitol and ⁤onto Capitol grounds,” prosecutors‌ stated. “He immediately moved to the front of the throng and took​ action by tearing‌ down the fence, which permitted the rioters to proceed further into the restricted‌ area. He defied law ​enforcement’s calls to disperse,⁤ and ‍he⁤ ignored calls ⁣from ⁤his own men to leave.”

Mr. Nordean was driven by a ⁢belief in a second American revolution, ⁤promoting⁤ a dangerous and‌ unlawful agenda.



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