Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and four others face charges of seditious conspiracy over Capitol riot.

The defence team has completed its testimony in the high-profile trial of Enrique Tarrio, former national leader of the Proud Boys, and four other members of the group accused of conspiring to disrupt the transfer of power after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The case centres on allegations that the defendants plotted to prevent Joe Biden from assuming the presidency.

Federal prosecutors are expected to call rebuttal witnesses before closing arguments commence. Jurors will then deliberate on one of the most significant cases stemming from the Justice Department’s investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The trial, which began over three months ago, resumes Friday.

Dominic Pezzola, a former Proud Boys member and the last defence witness, testified he acted independently during the events of January 6. A Marine Corps veteran, Pezzola admitted to breaking a Capitol window with a riot shield taken from police but denied any coordinated plot. He described the riot as “the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”

During cross-examination, prosecutors played a video of Pezzola smoking a cigar inside the Capitol, calling it a “victory smoke.” Pezzola expressed regret, labelling his actions “idiotic” and claiming he was unaware of any broader Proud Boys strategy to attack the Capitol.

The defendants, including Tarrio and group members Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl, face charges of seditious conspiracy. Prosecutors allege the group acted as a violent force to keep Donald Trump in office. The jury has heard testimony from over three dozen witnesses since the trial began in January, with the defence resting its case on Thursday.