US judge dismisses January 6 case against Proud Boys after Trump order

A federal court has dismissed seditious conspiracy cases against four members of the Proud Boys following a government motion. Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by President Trump, granted the dismissal with prejudice on Friday, preventing the charges from being refiled. The four defendants—Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola—had previously been convicted of serious offences, which Kelly acknowledged in his seven-page ruling. The judge grounded his decision in constitutional principles regarding separation of powers rather than the merits of the case itself. Kelly's ruling emphasized the gravity of the January 6 attack, describing it as a perilous event targeting both individuals and law enforcement, as well as the constitutional mechanism for peaceful presidential transitions. The dismissal represents the latest development in the Trump administration's broader effort to overturn prosecutions related to the Capitol riot. The January 6 incident occurred after Trump's 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, following Trump's promotion of unfounded claims that the election was rigged. On that day, Congress was scheduled to certify Electoral College results confirming Trump's defeat. Trump held a rally near the White House beforehand, repeating claims of a landslide victory and urging supporters to fight to retain their country. Supporters subsequently marched to the Capitol, breached the building, and clashed with police in an attempt to halt vote certification. The attack resulted in fatalities, injuries to law enforcement, and extensive property damage. Under the Biden administration, the Department of Justice had initiated criminal cases against approximately 1,600 individuals involved in the riot. Trump has consistently defended the rioters and characterized their prosecution as a national injustice.