Proud Boys suspects plead not guilty in Capitol riot charges despite video
BY CAMERON JENKINS - 02/09/21 03:26 PM EST 244
Two Proud Boys members who have been named as suspects affiliated with the Capitol riot that took place on Jan. 6 pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, despite the wide circulation of a video on social media that placed both men at the scene.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, and William Pepe, 31, who are both members of the far-right extremist group, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and interfering with officers who were protecting the Capitol, USA Today reported.
Both Pezzola and Pepe reportedly led a group of rioters supporting former President Trump into the Capitol and removed metal barricades to allow more people to enter.
Court documents also state that Pezzola "ripped away the officer’s riot shield, while the officer was physically engaging with individuals who had gathered unlawfully in the west plaza of the Capitol," according to USA Today.
Both men are among the Proud Boys members and multiple others to be charged after storming the Capitol last month.
On Monday, a federal judge released Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean, who faces charges relating to the Capitol riot, pending trial.
BY CAMERON JENKINS - 02/09/21 03:26 PM EST 244
Two Proud Boys members who have been named as suspects affiliated with the Capitol riot that took place on Jan. 6 pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, despite the wide circulation of a video on social media that placed both men at the scene.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, and William Pepe, 31, who are both members of the far-right extremist group, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and interfering with officers who were protecting the Capitol, USA Today reported.
Both Pezzola and Pepe reportedly led a group of rioters supporting former President Trump into the Capitol and removed metal barricades to allow more people to enter.
Court documents also state that Pezzola "ripped away the officer’s riot shield, while the officer was physically engaging with individuals who had gathered unlawfully in the west plaza of the Capitol," according to USA Today.
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Both men are among the Proud Boys members and multiple others to be charged after storming the Capitol last month.
On Monday, a federal judge released Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean, who faces charges relating to the Capitol riot, pending trial.