The former leader of the Proud Boys, an extremist, far-right group that played a major role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, says he's "excited" about the announcement of a $1.776 billion fund for people who believe they are victims of the justice system.
Enrique Tarrio told PBS News that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is doing an "amazing job" and that, between his commuted sentence last year and potential compensation under the fund, he feels like he is finally getting the justice he deserves.
Following the Department of Justice announcement of the "anti-weaponization" fund Monday, PBS News spoke with several Jan. 6 defendants, including Tarrio, who had one of the highest-profile convictions in the agency's large-scale investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.
The fund does not address whether Jan. 6 defendants would be eligible for the fund. Two police officers who defended the Capitol sued Wednesday over the possibility that rioters could benefit, and the concern helped drive Senate Republicans to stall unrelated legislation.
The DOJ gave a memo to Republican senators Thursday that says anyone who was a victim of "lawfare and weaponization" can apply. Claims will be awarded on a case-by-case basis and an applicant's "personal conduct and character" will be considered, the one-page summary read. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday that the fund is intended to help those "badly abused by an evil, corrupt, and weaponized Biden Administration."
