Trump-appointed judge dismisses seditious conspiracy case against Proud Boys

Key Points:

• A federal judge nominated by Donald Trump has agreed to dismiss the seditious conspiracy convictions against Proud Boys leaders involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, following a Department of Justice motion.
• The convicted Proud Boys leaders—Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl—were sentenced to long prison terms in 2023, which Trump later commuted in 2025, though their convictions remained until this dismissal.
• Judge Timothy Kelly expressed reluctance in granting the dismissal, noting it was driven by political motives linked to Trump’s desire to absolve his supporters rather than legal or factual grounds.
• Kelly emphasized the severity of the January 6 attack, describing it as a direct assault on Congress, law enforcement, and the constitutional process of peaceful power transfer, urging national unity to protect democracy.
• The judge highlighted the importance of preserving the constitutional framework for America’s future, despite the controversial decision to dismiss these convictions.