Top leader of Proud Boys sentenced to 17 years for Jan. 6 US Capitol attack

By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, United States (AA) - Joseph Biggs, a top leader of the far-right militant group the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 17 years in prison Thursday for his role in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021 US Capitol attack.

"There is a reason why we will hold our collective breaths when we approach future elections," prosecutor Jason McCullough said during the sentencing hearing, according to multiple news outlets. "They pushed this to the edge of a constitutional crisis."

Biggs was convicted of seditious conspiracy along with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and two other members of the group. Biggs was also found guilty of conspiring to obstruct Congress and civil disorder. Prosecutors had originally requested a 33-year sentence.

"I'm not a terrorist," Biggs told the judge. "I'm so sorry."

"When January 6 came up, that was my last time ever going out with the Proud Boys … I was going to announce to the group that I'm done," he said. "I know that I have to be punished, and I understand."

Prosecutors emphasized that Biggs knew the consequences of his actions.

"Biggs appreciated the tactical advantage that his force had that day, and he understood the significance of his actions against his own government," the Justice Department wrote in its filing. "Biggs understood that the outnumbered forces attempting to hold the Capitol would be powerless due to his side's overwhelming numbers."

Biggs and the other Proud Boys defendants are expected to appeal their convictions.