Who is Enrique Tarrio, Former Proud Boys Leader?

Henry "Enrique" Tarrio

Enrique Tarrio, born in 1984 in Miami, Florida, is a prominent American activist known for his leadership of the far-right organization, the Proud Boys. Identifying as Afro-Cuban, Tarrio has been a controversial figure in American politics, particularly due to his association with extremist activities and subsequent legal issues.​

Early Life and Career

Growing up in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, Tarrio was exposed to a diverse cultural environment. In 2004, at the age of 20, he was convicted of theft and sentenced to community service and probation. Later, in 2013, he faced a 30-month prison sentence for rebranding and reselling stolen medical devices, of which he served 16 months. Between 2012 and 2014, reports indicate that Tarrio acted as an informant for federal and local law enforcement, assisting in various investigations. ​

Professionally, Tarrio ventured into several businesses, including a security equipment installation company and a GPS tracking firm. He also owned the 1776 Shop, an online store selling right-wing merchandise, notably apparel with provocative slogans associated with the Proud Boys.​

Rise within the Proud Boys

The Proud Boys, founded in 2016, is a male-only organization known for its far-right views and involvement in political violence. Tarrio joined the group in 2017 after attending an event organized by right-wing activist Milo Yiannopoulos. His active participation, including involvement in violent confrontations, led to his rapid ascent within the organization. By November 2018, Tarrio had become the national chairman, succeeding Jason Lee Van Dyke. ​

Under Tarrio's leadership, the Proud Boys became increasingly visible, often engaging in violent clashes during political events. In December 2020, during a pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C., Tarrio was arrested for burning a Black Lives Matter banner taken from a historic Black church. He was subsequently charged with destruction of property and possession of high-capacity firearm magazines. ​

Involvement in the January 6 Capitol Attack

Although Tarrio was not physically present during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol—having been arrested two days prior and barred from Washington, D.C.—he was implicated in the planning and orchestration of the events. In March 2022, he was arrested and charged with conspiracy related to the Capitol riot. By May 2023, Tarrio and three other Proud Boys leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy, among other charges. In September 2023, he received a 22-year prison sentence, the longest among those convicted for the Capitol attack. ​

Presidential Pardon and Recent Arrest

On January 20, 2025, in a controversial move, President Donald Trump granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 events, including Tarrio. Following his release, Tarrio returned to Miami and expressed intentions to seek "retribution" against those he held responsible for his incarceration. ​

On February 21, 2025, Tarrio was arrested near the U.S. Capitol on a charge of simple assault. The incident occurred after a press conference attended by Tarrio and other pardoned individuals. According to Capitol Police, Tarrio allegedly struck a woman's arm and cellphone when she placed the device close to his face. The woman reported the incident to the officers, leading to Tarrio's arrest. ​

Conclusion

Enrique Tarrio's trajectory from a Miami entrepreneur to the leader of a far-right organization underscores the complexities of extremist movements in the United States. His recent pardon and subsequent arrest highlight ongoing tensions and the challenges in addressing political extremism and its repercussions in contemporary society.

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