Enrique Tarrio, former national leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, has been arrested near the US Capitol on charges of assaulting a protester. The incident unfolded on Friday shortly after Tarrio attended a news conference with other Proud Boys members and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. The arrest stems from allegations that Tarrio struck a woman's cellphone and arm as she protested against a gathering he was attending.
Capitol police reported that the altercation occurred after the news conference concluded without incident. As Tarrio departed the area, the protester approached him, placing her phone close to his face. It was at this moment that Tarrio allegedly made contact with her phone and arm, leading to his arrest.
"The woman told our officers that she wanted to be a complainant, and [Tarrio] was arrested for the simple assault," – Capitol police
Tarrio's recent arrest comes after he had been serving a 22-year sentence for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He, along with three lieutenants, was convicted of seditious conspiracy for plotting the assault aimed at keeping then-President Donald Trump in office despite his electoral defeat. However, in a controversial decision, President Trump granted clemency to Tarrio and over 1,500 others involved in the Capitol attack as one of his first acts upon retaking office.
The decision to grant clemency has not been well received by the public. A Washington Post/Ipsos survey found that more than 80% of respondents disapproved of Trump's action. The clemency extended not only to Tarrio but also to Stewart Rhodes, who had been convicted on similar charges of seditious conspiracy before his sentence was commuted in January.
The events surrounding Tarrio's arrest highlight ongoing tensions and divisions related to the aftermath of the Capitol attack. As legal proceedings continue, it remains uncertain how these actions will impact public perception and political discourse.