Background

Zachary Rehl was the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Proud Boys and a member of the group’s “Ministry of Self Defense” (MOSD) leadership. He was convicted in the District of Columbia of seditious conspiracy and related offenses for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The Case

Rehl was convicted of seditious conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, and conspiracy to prevent members of Congress from discharging their duties. He participated in the Proud Boys’ assault on the Capitol. In a call to his mother afterward he said he was “so fucking proud” of the “raid of the capitol.” 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 15 years in prison.

The Pardon

On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted Rehl 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)
• Jury convicts four leaders of Proud Boys of seditious conspiracy related to U.S. Capitol breach (DOJ OPA)
• Proud Boys Threat Assessment: From the Planning of January 6th to Future Scenarios (Just Security)