Enrique Tarrio, who had previously faced the longest prison sentence related to the January 6 events before receiving a pardon from former President Donald Trump, is expressing his approval of a recent White House report. Tarrio regards this report as a long-awaited recognition of what he believes to be truths that had been previously overlooked and voices that had been silenced.
In a statement shared exclusively, Tarrio mentioned that he took the time to read the report after participating in a memorial event where he and other supporters laid flowers to commemorate the anniversary of January 6, 2020.
“After laying flowers with many patriots, I had the opportunity to read the White House report on January 6th. It’s incredibly refreshing to see an administration that values the truth. During the four years of the Biden administration, our voices were stifled. We were confined like animals, with minimal communication with the outside world,” Tarrio commented.
He further praised President Trump for what he sees as a rectification of past wrongs. Tarrio emphasized that Trump’s actions, upon returning to office, addressed what he considers to be significant injustices.
“President Trump wielded the powers granted to him by the Constitution to rectify these wrongs with a simple stroke of a pen. Now, this report reveals the truth about January 6th to the American people,” Tarrio stated.
Tarrio also highlighted the report’s acknowledgment of those who lost their lives in connection with the events of January 6, an aspect he found particularly poignant. He pointed to Matthew Perna, who tragically took his own life while facing federal charges related to the incident. Critics of the ensuing prosecutions have often cited Perna’s case as indicative of what they perceive as overly harsh and punitive measures.
“I am so happy it not only includes the four patriots that lost their lives that day but also the five that felt as if they had no choice but take those matters into their own hands. Matthew Perna is an American hero and he deserves justice. Biden treated him like an enemy. President Trump remembers his bravery.”
Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy and related charges stemming from the government’s case against the Proud Boys leadership. Prosecutors argued that Tarrio played a coordinating role in the events surrounding January 6, despite not being physically present at the US Capitol that day and despite what his supporters argue was a lack of evidence indicating any prior planning to even attend the Capitol.
After a prolonged legal battle concluding in 2023, Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, the longest sentence imposed in any January 6 related case. The sentence drew domestic and international attention, with supporters arguing it was disproportionate to the alleged conduct and politically motivated. President Trump later issued a pardon that resulted in Tarrio’s release.
Throughout the case, Tarrio’s legal defense argued that the prosecution relied heavily on demonized free speech, political association, and online communications that did not reference a plan for a government insurrection rather than direct acts of violence. Tarrio’s legal team also challenged the use of conspiracy and terrorism related sentencing enhancements, warning they could set dangerous precedents for future political expression.
Since his release, Tarrio has spoken publicly about his time in federal custody, alleging prolonged solitary confinement and severe communication restrictions. He has characterized those conditions as punitive rather than corrective, echoing claims made by other inmates held under similar federal conditions.
Tarrio has remained publicly active since his release, beginning with the founding of WarBoys Studios as part of his efforts to platform and empower January 6 defendants. He has continued to advocate for those who have not yet received full pardons, including Joe Biggs, a two time Purple Heart veteran.
According to Tarrio, true justice requires more than release from prison.
“Freedom isn’t just walking out of a prison gate,” Tarrio said. “It’s having your life back.”
Tarrio closed his remarks with a message directed to the administration and to President Trump personally.
“I want to thank the administration and President Trump himself for telling the truth as he always does. And I think I speak for J6ers when I say…
We love you.”
As debate over January 6 continues to shape national politics, Tarrio’s response to the White House report underscores the deep divide over how the events of that day and the prosecutions that followed will ultimately be remembered.
