Proud Boy Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Capitol Riot
Dominic Pezzola, known as “Spazzolini,” was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for his role in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Pezzola gained notoriety for smashing through a window with a police riot shield, allowing the first wave of rioters to enter the building while members of Congress were being evacuated. District Judge Timothy Kelly called Pezzola the “tip of the spear” and condemned his actions, stating, “It is not something I would have ever dreamed I’d see in our country.” Pezzola was convicted of assaulting or resisting a police officer, robbery of a police shield, destruction of government property, and obstructing an official proceeding, among other charges.
Pezzola, who joined the Proud Boys shortly before the Capitol riot, was the only one of the five Proud Boys defendants not convicted of seditious conspiracy. Evidence presented at the trial showed that he was praised by the organization’s leadership for his violent actions at a separate rally prior to the riot. Two of Pezzola’s co-defendants, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, were sentenced to 17 and 15 years in prison, respectively, on Thursday.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that leaders of the Proud Boys pushed lower-level members like Pezzola to be on the front lines of the violence at the Capitol. Former Capitol police officer Mark Ode, who was assaulted by Pezzola, described being attacked by the mob and feeling like his life was leaving his body. Ode’s statement, read aloud by prosecutors, detailed the traumatic experience of being pinned down and choked by multiple assailants.
As Pezzola’s sentencing hearing took place, prosecutor Erik Kenerson highlighted the lingering fear among Americans about future election cycles and the potential for violence. Kenerson stated, “Many Americans will approach the ballot box in 2024 with trepidation” and “will go to bed on January 5, 2025, afraid of what might happen the next day. Mark Ode certainly will.”
Pezzola, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, addressed the court during the hearing and expressed his remorse for his actions. He apologized to Officer Ode and his family, acknowledging the grief he caused them. Pezzola’s wife, Lisa, also spoke, describing the hardships their family has faced since his arrest, including their daughters’ struggles with depression and bullying at school. Pezzola’s youngest daughter, Angelina, made an emotional plea for mercy, highlighting her accomplishments and longing for a hug from her father.
The sentencing of Dominic Pezzola marks another significant development in the aftermath of the Capitol riot. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the crime and aims to send a message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. As the legal proceedings continue, the nation grapples with the lasting impact of the events of January 6, 2021.
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