Five members of the far-right extremist group Proud Boys, who played a key role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking over $100 million in damages.
The lawsuit alleges that the Justice Department and FBI violated their constitutional rights by arresting, jailing, and subjecting them to harsh treatment for their involvement in the attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.
Lawsuit and Allegations
Filed on June 6 in a federal court in Florida, the lawsuit claims that the Proud Boys and their families were subjected to forceful government raids, solitary confinement, and cruel and unusual punishment during their time in custody.
The plaintiffs, including prominent Proud Boys figures Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, Zachary Rehl, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Dominic Pezzola, argue that the government’s actions were unlawful and violated their constitutional rights. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages along with 6% post-judgment interest.
The case follows the group’s involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters tried to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
Many of the Proud Boys members were convicted of seditious conspiracy charges, and each received lengthy prison sentences following a series of trials. Their convictions ranged from 15 to 22 years in prison.
Trump’s Pardons
In 2025, after returning to office, President Donald Trump issued a broad clemency order, pardoning most of the individuals involved in the January 6 riot, including the Proud Boys members named in the lawsuit. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 others who had been involved in the insurrection.
Despite the pardons, the group’s legal actions suggest that they still feel the need to seek further compensation for their treatment during and after their arrests. In interviews with USA TODAY, many of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit stood by their actions during the Capitol riot, saying they would act the same way if given the chance again.
Defending the Actions of January 6
In interviews about the Capitol attack, some of the plaintiffs, including Tarrio and Rehl, defended their actions. Rehl, in particular, expressed confidence in his ability to represent people in the political sphere, hinting at the possibility of running for public office.
“I am an intelligent individual, and I’ve done a lot in the community as far as activism is concerned,” Rehl said. “So, I’m experienced in that respect, and I believe I can really represent the people in a good way.”
This sentiment was echoed by other Proud Boys members, with many asserting that they were justified in their actions on January 6, further fueling the ongoing debate over the motivations and consequences of the Capitol attack.
Ongoing Legal and Political Implications
The Proud Boys’ lawsuit and their vocal defense of the January 6 events underscore the continued political and legal divisions in the aftermath of the insurrection.
While many Americans see the storming of the Capitol as an assault on democracy, those involved, including the Proud Boys, have consistently maintained their actions were justified.
Their lawsuit is the latest chapter in the ongoing legal battles and political repercussions that continue to surround the events of January 6.