A federal court in the United States dismissed the seditious conspiracy charges against four members of the Proud Boys on July 11, 2026. Judge Timothy J. Kelly, appointed by former President Donald Trump, granted the government's motion to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revived. This decision is part of Trump's ongoing efforts to end the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Details of the Dismissal
Judge Kelly's ruling involved defendants Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola, who had previously been convicted of serious offenses related to the Capitol attack. In his seven-page ruling, Kelly emphasized the separation of government powers as the basis for his decision, stating, "The attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021 was a perilous event. It was an attack on people, including police officers, many of whom were injured."
The ruling marks a significant moment in the legal proceedings surrounding the January 6 events, as it reflects the influence of Trump’s executive orders which led to the dismissal of many ongoing cases. Kelly noted, "The Court cannot compel the executive branch to pursue prosecutions," highlighting the limitations of judicial authority in this context.
Background on January 6 and the Proud Boys
The January 6 riot occurred after Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. Following the election, Trump propagated false claims of a rigged election, culminating in the Capitol attack, which was meant to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College votes. During a rally that day, Trump urged his supporters to "fight like hell" and march to the Capitol, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement.
