Background

Dominic Pezzola was a Proud Boy convicted in the District of Columbia of obstruction and conspiracy for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted of using a stolen police shield to smash a Senate Wing window—the first breach of the Capitol building, at 2:13 p.m.—allowing rioters to stream inside. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The Case

Pezzola was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and conspiracy to prevent members of Congress from discharging their duties. He used a stolen riot shield to smash in a Senate Wing window; rioters then opened an adjacent door and streamed into the Capitol. Inside the building he was recorded smoking a victory cigar and saying “I knew we could take this motherfucker over if we just tried hard enough” and “Proud of your motherfuckin’ boy.” The attack disrupted the certification of the presidential election, injured law enforcement officers, and damaged public trust in the peaceful transfer of power. He was sentenced in September 2023 to 10 years in prison.

The Pardon

On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted Pezzola a commutation of his sentence to time served under a proclamation covering certain offenses relating to the events at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Sources

• President Trump’s Proclamation Granting Pardons and Commutations for Jan. 6 Offenses (DOJ)
• Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences (White House, Jan 20, 2025)
• Full List of People Pardoned | January 6th (jan-6.com)
• Proud Boys leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy (DOJ USAO-DC)
• Proud Boys Threat Assessment: From the Planning of January 6th to Future Scenarios (Just Security)