Proud Boys leaders blame Trump for Jan. 6 attack as trial nears end.

Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who is awaiting a verdict on charges he conspired to violently prevent Joe Biden’s presidency, accused the Justice Department and Democrats of “weaponizing” government institutions and seeking to “manipulate the 2024 election.” Tarrio used his appearance to embrace far-right critiques of the Justice Department’s pursuit of Jan. 6 perpetrators, accusing prosecutors of “overcharging” defendants and criminalizing pro-Trump speech. Tarrio’s attorneys used their closing arguments in court Tuesday morning to lay blame for the Jan. 6 Capitol attack at the feet of Donald Trump.