Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys chairman from Miami who was serving 22 years in federal prison after he was convicted of seditious conspiracy in relation to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, arrived back in South Florida Wednesday after he was pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Tarrio arrived at Miami International Airport where he was greeted by friends and his mother. He was escorted out of the airport while he was surrounded by media members.
“I love my family and I’m thankful for President Trump,” he told NBC6 as he left.
He later spoke with reporters at his home in Miami, saying he wasn’t surprised by Trump’s pardon.
“It didn’t come as a surprise. Like him or love him, it’s promises made, promises kept…he said he was gonna pardon J-6ers on day one,” Tarrio said. “I think all 1,500 should be released. I’m not gonna condone people that put their hands on cops, but …