On May 12, 2021, a man known as a “tool” of the Proud Boys was convicted of assaulting police officers and rioting during the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The man, Charles Donohoe, was found guilty by a federal jury in Washington, D.C. and now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Donohoe is a member of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group known for its violent and white nationalist ideology. The group played a prominent role in the January 6 riot at the Capitol, where supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Donohoe and other members of the Proud Boys had coordinated their actions on January 6 using walkie-talkies and social media. They also showed video footage of Donohoe assaulting police officers with a riot shield and participating in the destruction of government property.
The trial of Charles Donohoe is just one of many that are underway as federal authorities work to bring to justice those who participated in the January 6 insurrection. So far, more than 400 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the riot, including members of far-right groups like the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and the Three Percenters.
The conviction of Charles Donohoe is a significant victory for law enforcement and a reminder that those who seek to undermine our democracy and engage in violent extremism will be held accountable. As the investigations and prosecutions of those involved in the January 6 insurrection continue, it is important that we remain vigilant against the threat of domestic terrorism and work to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.