In an interview with USA Today in February, the proud boy leader defended his participation in the rebellion and said he would do it again.
WASHINGTON – Five members of a right-wing extremist group stormed the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 riot, and proud boys later forgiven by President Donald Trump are suing the government for more than $100 million.
They allege that the Justice Department and the FBI violated their constitutional rights after arresting and jailing them in an effort to stop proof of former President Joe Biden’s election victory in 2020.
The proud boy and his family were exposed to powerful government attacks, solitary confinement and cruel and unusual treatment.
The group filed a lawsuit in federal court in Florida on June 6th, including Henry “Henrique” Talio, Zachary Rail, Ethan Nordun, Joseph Biggs and Dominique Pezzola.
In 2023, the ju judge was convicted of participating in inflammatory conspiracy against Talio, Rail, Nordan, and the US government. In some trials, each leader in the group was issued a long sentence ranging from 22 to 15 years.
On the first day of his return office in 2025, President Trump gave pardons to almost all of the more than 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, and issued sentences to 14 other 14.
In an interview with USA Today in February, most of the plaintiffs in the suit defended their actions on January 6th, clearly stated that they would do the same again. Some people, including Tarrio and Rehl, have suggested that they may run for public office in the future.
“I’m an intellectual individual and I’ve done a lot in the community as far as activism is concerned,” Rail said. “So I have experience in that regard and I really believe I can represent people in a good way.”
Contribution: Reuters
Zachary Schermele is an education reporter for USA Today. You can contact him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @Zachschermele and follow Bluesky at @Zachschermele.bsky.social.
