The Department of Justice has dropped the remaining charges against Dominic Pezzola, a member of the Proud Boys who was convicted in 2023 for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, breach of the Capitol. Pezzola was convicted for several felonies, including assaulting law enforcement and robbing government property, after he used a stolen police riot shield to break a window, allowing other rioters to enter the Capitol.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly dismissed the last counts against Pezzola and three other Proud Boys leaders, concluding a significant prosecution related to the January 6 events. The dismissal was granted with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be revived in the future. Judge Kelly stated that the court lacked the authority to overrule the DOJ's decision to abandon the case.
Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but faced convictions on other charges, with jurors deadlocking on several counts. During his trial, he claimed he was caught up in the chaos of the day and denied taking the shield from a police officer. His attorney, Roger Roots, expressed satisfaction with the dismissal, arguing that Pezzola's actions should have warranted a lesser charge.
Judge Kelly noted the influence of the Trump administration on the decision to drop the charges, referencing Trump's views on the prosecution of those involved in the Capitol attack.