DOJ Seeks to Erase Jan. 6 Convictions for Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Leaders

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, filed motions in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate convictions of 12 former members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, most convicted of seditious conspiracy for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.[1][2][3] The request targets defendants whose sentences President Donald Trump commuted to time served on his first day in his second term, January 20, 2025, but whose convictions lingered as their appeals progressed.[1][4] Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, stated that "in the Executive Branch's view, it is not in the interests of justice to continue to prosecute this case or the cases of other, similarly situated defendants."[2][3] Among those targeted is Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers founder, convicted after prosecutors proved he and members "began plotting to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power" post-2020 election.[2] On January 6, Rhodes coordinated as Oath Keepers marched on the Capitol.[2] Proud Boys figures include Dominic Pezzola, sentenced to 10 years for smashing a Capitol window with a riot shield, and leaders like Joseph Biggs (17 years), Zachary Rehl (15 years), and Ethan Nordean (18 years), all freed after commutations but fighting intact records.[1][3][4] The 12 are among 14 whose sentences Trump commuted without full pardons; the DOJ did not include Thomas Caldwell or Jeremy Bertino in Tuesday's filings.[2] Trump's Day 1 actions pardoned over 1,500 charged or convicted in the riot—more than 1,000 mob members outright, including over 600 for assaulting officers—and issued blanket pardons for those at or near the Capitol, whom he called "hostages."[1][4] Of nearly 1,600 total charged, 608 faced law enforcement interference counts; 140 officers were injured.[1] Upward of 1,500 were arrested in the DOJ's largest probe ever, with over 170 accused of using weapons like bear spray or fire extinguishers.[2] Trump fully pardoned Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio (22 years original sentence) but exempted others initially.[1][4] The motions, unopposed by defendants' attorneys, seek dismissal "with prejudice," barring refiling.[2][4] They follow similar DOJ moves, like vacating Steve Bannon's contempt conviction.[4] Reactions poured in: Proud Boy Rehl posted on X, "Persistently fighting for truth and justice pays off! I am beyond thrilled."[4] Neither Pirro's office nor the Justice Department commented further.[2] This caps efforts to unwind the Jan. 6 cases: over 700 defendants finished sentences without incarceration; most pleaded guilty to trespassing or assault.[2] With key appeal deadlines looming, the administration invoked prosecutorial discretion, citing Trump's commutation.[3][4]