Members of the far-right group Proud Boys make “ OK ” hand gestures indicating “ white power ” as supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the Capitol to protest the US’s certification of the 2020 US presidential election. Congress, in Washington, USA, January 6, 2021.
Jim Urquhart | Reuters
Two members of the far-right nationalist group The Proud Boys were charged in federal court on Friday with conspiracy to obstruct law enforcement and other charges related to their participation in the deadly January 6 riot at the Capitol.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, of Rochester, New York, and William Pepe, 31, of Beacon, New York, were initially charged with charges and arrested earlier this month, according to a press release from the United States Department of Justice.
The men were charged in DC federal court Friday on charges of conspiracy, civil disorder, unlawful entry into confined buildings or grounds, and disorderly and disruptive behavior in confined buildings or grounds.
Pezzola is also accused of obstructing official proceedings; additional counts of civil disorder and aid and incitement to civil disorder; theft of personal property from the US; attacking, resisting or interfering with certain officials; destruction of government property; and committing physical violence in restricted buildings or areas.
Pepe was a Metro Transit Authority employee who used a sick day to travel to DC for the planned riot, according to an arrest affidavit. The agency has suspended him.
Pezzola, a former United States Marine, was filmed using a police shield to break a window to breach the Capitol. Witnesses also told authorities that Pezzola, known to some as “Spaz,” said he would have killed Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi if given the chance, according to an affidavit.
Prosecutors also said Pezzola posted a video on social media smoking a cigar in the Capitol saying, “Victory smoke in the Capitol, guys.”