Jan 5, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Proud Boys leader banned from D.C. ahead of Trump rally

Enrique Tarrio, head of the Proud Boys, is escorted out of the areaoutside of the Georgia State Capital building on November 21, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio (front, center). Photo: Megan Varner/Getty Images

Enrique Tarrio, leader of the far-right Proud boys accused of burning a church's Black Lives Matter banner, has been released from custody but ordered to stay away from Washington, D.C., until his next court appearance.

Why it matters: The order by D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond banning him from the District of Columbia prevents him from legally attending Wednesday's Trump rally in D.C., when Congress is set to certify the electoral college votes. He may be arrested if he does.

The big picture: D.C. police charged Tarrio Monday night with destruction of property over the burning of the banner belonging to a historically Black church.

  • Officers found two unloaded high-powered magazines branded with the Proud Boys logo in his bag when they took him into custody, which Tarrio told police he intended to sell at the rally, court documents show.
  • He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and is due to return to court on June 8.
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