THE leader of the American far-right, Donald Trump-supporting group the Proud Boys has been jailed for five months for burning a Black Lives Matter banner and committing firearms offences.
Enrique Tarrio was a part of a group that stole and set alight the banner on display in a Washington church on December 12 last year, following a pro-Trump rally.
He pleaded guilty to stealing the banner from the Asbury United Methodist Church. He was also charged with possessing two magazines for an automatic weapon, a criminal offence in Washington DC.
Even after being arrested in early January, Tarrio continued to orchestrate support for former president Trump, including the events leading up the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
Tarrio has led the Proud Boys, founded by Gavin McInnes – the son of Scottish parents – since 2018.
During that time the Boys tried to use yellow kilts as a uniform, but were prevented from doing so by the manufacturer.
Having struck a plea deal with prosecutors, Tarrio was expecting a three-month sentence.
He told the court he had made “a grave mistake” and was profusely sorry.
Judge Harold Cushenberry rejected the sentence as too lenient, however. He said at the sentencing hearing:“Mr Tarrio has intentionally and proudly crossed the line from peaceful protest and assembly to dangerous and potentially violent criminal conduct.”
Adding that Tarrio had “betrayed” democratic values, Judge Cushenberry sentenced Tarrio to 155 days in jail and fined him $1000, as well as ordering Tarrio to pay $347 in restitution to the church.
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