The sentencing hearing for the leader of the Proud Boys has been suddenly delayed.
Enrique Tarrio was scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 30, but the proceeding was postponed “due to an emergency.”
Lisa Klem, a spokesperson for the court, told The Hill US District Judge Timothy Kelly had fallen ill – causing the court to push back the hearing.
Tarrio and four other members of the Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy in May after the United States government accused them of plotting to prevent the peaceful transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021. Tarrio was not in DC on Jan. 6.
The trial lasted three months.
“We have secured the convictions of defendants who obstructed the certification of a presidential election, as well as the subsequent criminal investigation in the events of Jan. 6,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement, per CBS News. “And now, after three trials, we have secured the convictions of leaders of both the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers for seditious conspiracy, specifically conspiring to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power. Our work will continue.”
Tarrio is now scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5 at 2 PM. A sentencing hearing for Ethan Nordean, one of Tarrio’s co-defendants, also planned for Aug. 30, has been rescheduled for Sept. 1.
Joe Biggs, another co-defendant, will now be the first of the Proud Boy group to be sentenced. His sentencing will occur on Aug. 31 at 10 AM, followed by Zachary Rehl.
The Department of Justice has recommended Tarrio, Narodean, Biggs, and the other co-defendants each be sentenced to over 30 years behind bars. Prosecutors have also asked Kelly to agree to terrorism enhancements for the five men, which could add an additional 15 years to any prison sentence.
Tarrio’s lawyers have asked for leniency, appealing to Kelly to “see another side of him — one that is benevolent, cooperative with law enforcement, useful in the community, hardworking and with a tight-knit family unit and community support,” per the Orlando Sentinel.
“While the instant offenses are serious in nature, they are nowhere near and should not be grouped in the same category … as the heinous acts committed by individuals such as Timothy James McVeigh,” Tarrio’s attorneys wrote, referring to the man who carried out the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people, per Reuters.
Kelly is not bound by the prosecutor’s recommendations.
Over 1,000 people have been federally charged in connection to the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. More than 600 people have been sentenced and over 300 have been sent to prison.
