Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Defends Proud Boys Leader
In a social media post that has stirred controversy, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) seemingly came to the defense of
Nik Richie
In a social media post that has stirred controversy, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) seemingly came to the defense of the leader of the Proud Boys militia group, following the Justice Department’s announcement of a 33-year sentence sought for his involvement in planning the January 6 insurrection.
Enrique Tarrio, who was found guilty of seditious conspiracy in May, faces this sentence, which would be the longest handed down among Capitol riot cases if approved by a judge.
On her social media platform, Greene made a pointed statement: “You know who the Justice Department is not seeking 33 years in prison for?” She went on to list examples including “Antifa/BLM violent rioters” who were involved in the George Floyd protests, and Hunter Biden and Joe Biden for alleged financial improprieties.
Tarrio and three others were convicted of orchestrating a plot to disrupt the counting of electoral votes and potentially overturn the outcome of the 2020 election. While one member of the group was acquitted on seditious conspiracy charges, they were convicted on other felonies.
Throughout the trial, evidence was presented suggesting that the Proud Boys saw themselves as a dedicated force aligned with former President Donald Trump’s interests, playing a significant role in the breaches of the Capitol Building on January 6.
Prosecutors emphasized the group’s intent in court documents, stating, “The defendants understood the stakes, and they embraced their role in bringing about a ‘revolution.’ They unleashed a force on the Capitol that was calculated to exert their political will on elected officials by force and to undo the results of a democratic election.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene has previously criticized the Justice Department, alleging that it is “weaponized for political purposes,” particularly in relation to the special counsel investigation into former President Trump. She, along with fellow Republicans, has expressed concerns over perceived biases in the Department’s prosecution decisions.