President Trump Frees Local Proud Boy
Written by Site Hub on January 22, 2025
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of Dominic Pezzola, a Rochester native and member of the Proud Boys, who was involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Pezzola, initially sentenced to 10 years in prison, had his sentence reduced to time served as of January 20, 2025.
Pezzola was found guilty of multiple charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of federal property, assaulting federal officers, and conspiracy to interfere with law enforcement. However, he was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a charge levied against other Proud Boys leaders.
During the January 6 riot, Pezzola gained attention for using a stolen riot shield to smash a Capitol window, creating an entry point for other rioters. The attack resulted in injuries to approximately 140 police officers and the death of one officer the following day.
Trump’s broad pardon for individuals involved in the Capitol riot raises questions about the inclusion of other local men, such as James Weeks, Cody Mattice, and James Mault, who were also implicated in the events of January 6. While Pezzola is now free, the decision has reignited debates surrounding justice and accountability for those involved in the insurrection.
Source: Rochester First
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