The former Infowars correspondent, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy, “served as an instigator and leader" during the Capitol attack, federal prosecutors said.

Joe Biggs, a Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy who the government says “served as an instigator and leader” during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison on Thursday.

It is among the longest sentences in Capitol riot cases. The record is the 18-year sentence given to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, also convicted of seditious conspiracy, after prosecutors sought 25 years in federal prison in his case.

    • jivemasta@reddthat.com
      16·
      10 months ago

      He didn’t threaten to do it, he did it

      Conspiracy, by definition, is talking about commiting a crime, and then doing an action to actually commit the crime.

      So let’s say I get some friends together and we talk about pulling a heist on the local art museum. That in and of itself is not a crime, we are just talking. But if we start going out and casing the joint, buying crow bars and shit to actually do it, it becomes a conspiracy to commit burglary, which is a crime. Even though we didn’t actually break into the place yet, it becomes a crime when we make actions toward the crime.

      Dude made statements about overthrowing the government. Not a crime. But then he went to the government and started jumping fences, and breaking into buildings. Crime.

      Also, by your logic yelling fire wouldn’t be illegal, it’s literally speech. Also threatening is a crime. If I say, I’m gonna hit you with this hammer, and I have a hammer in my hand, that is assault, which is totally a crime. Didn’t actually hit you, just threatened to but with the clear ability to go through with that threat.

        • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
          12·
          10 months ago

          Either is threatening, without an action.

          Yes, it is.

          What Is a Criminal Threat?

          A criminal threat involves one person threatening someone else with physical harm or death. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove:

          • the defendant communicated a threat of harm to another
          • the defendant intended that the communication be taken as a threat, and
          • the threat was credible and specific so as to place a person in fear of harm.

          Edited for formatting and to remove needless snark.

        • Furbag@lemmy.world
          7·
          10 months ago

          Good Lord you are dense. People have already clearly explained why it is in fact a crime, complete with ELI5 examples.

          If you don’t get it, that’s on you. The dude is going to prison where he belongs.

          You seem like somebody who is destined to end up just like this guy with wild ideas like “threatening without an action isn’t a crime”, so keep at it.