Five Proud Boys plan to call former President Donald Trump as he faces horrendous conspiracy charges for his role in the January 6, 2021 uprising, a New York Times reporter reported this week.
The defendants – including Enrique Tarrio, the long-time leader of the far-right group – “expect Donald Trump to testify in court,” tweeted reporter Alan Feuer.
It’s not clear why they want Trump to be a witness. Another January 6 accused, however, have said they stormed the US Capitol because they thought it was what Trump wanted, which they believed could legitimize the riots.
But the request for Trump to be impeached has not been granted in another Jan. 6 trial, Feuer said.
The judge in the current Proud Boys case, however, has ruled that prosecutors can play a video at the trial of Trump telling the group to “stop and stand up” during a televised debate with presidential candidate Joe Biden in 2020. The shocking comment is widely seen as a message for Proud Boys so be ready to act if called Trump.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly allowed the video because he said the former president’s comments showed an “additional motive” for the Proud Boys to “support Mr. Trump.” [and] engaged in an alleged conspiracy” to maintain his power.
Sabino Jauregui, a lawyer representing Tarrio, said the true cause of the uprising was Trump, but said it was “very difficult to blame” because of the accusations that would be made by “an army of lawyers,” The Guardian reported Sunday.
“It’s easier to blame … the Proud Boys,” Jauregui said, describing Tarrio and the other defendants as “scapegoats.”
On Monday, four members of the right-wing Oath were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their role in the uprising. He could face up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
Oath Keepers founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes, meanwhile, was convicted in November of seditious conspiracy.
The Proud Boys have all pleaded not guilty to the same charges.