5 Proud Boys Sue US Gov for $100M Over Jan. 6 Prosecutions

Wait, They’re Suing Now?

You’d think after getting convicted for storming the Capitol, these guys would lay low. But no—five Proud Boys just slapped the U.S. government with a $100 million lawsuit. Their argument? That their prosecutions were basically a political hit job violating their free speech and due process rights. Filed in Orlando (of all places), this thing reads like a mix of legal brief and conspiracy theory. And it’s got people arguing all over again about what really went down on January 6th.

Who Even Are These Guys?

Right, so the Proud Boys—that far-right crew that always shows up to protests looking for trouble. Started in 2016, they’ve basically become the poster boys for political brawls. During the Capitol riot? Oh, they weren’t just there. Court docs show they were leading the charge, texting each other like it was some messed-up field trip. Their ex-leader Enrique Tarrio’s already doing 22 years for sedition. These five plaintiffs—Worrell, Biggs, Rehl, Pezzola, and Nordean—all got convicted too. Now they’re crying foul.

What They Actually Did That Day

Let’s be real: footage doesn’t lie. You can see them smashing barriers, egging on the crowd, basically acting like this was their revolutionary moment. Prosecutors called them “foot soldiers” trying to overturn an election. Over 1,200 people got arrested from that mess, but these guys? They were front and center.

Breaking Down This $100M Hail Mary

So what’s their angle? They’re claiming the feds picked on them because of their politics, not their actions. The lawsuit’s packed with drama—”reputational damage” (seriously?), emotional distress, legal bills. But here’s the kicker: they’re saying storming the Capitol was just “protected speech.” I mean, come on. Even my lawyer friend laughed at that one.

Why This Probably Won’t Work

First off, sovereign immunity—that legal shield protecting the government—is a brick wall. Plus, they’re literally convicted criminals arguing about unfair treatment. One law prof put it bluntly: “When a jury finds you guilty after seeing all the evidence, you don’t get to play victim later.”

The “But Antifa!” Defense

This part’s rich. They’re whining that left-wing protesters get off easy while they got hammered. Except here’s the thing: breaking into the Capitol to stop a presidential certification isn’t exactly the same as a street protest. Judges have shot down this comparison every time.

What the Other Side’s Saying

DOJ hasn’t responded yet, but let’s be honest—they’ll just point to the mountain of evidence. Same playbook as when Oath Keepers tried this stunt and got laughed out of court.

Why This Matters (Or Doesn’t)

Politically? It’s gasoline on the culture war fire. Some conservatives are calling it brave; liberals see it as revisionist nonsense. Realistically though? This case will probably fizzle. But it shows how January 6th is still this open wound in American politics.

What Happens Next?

Months of legal wrangling, most likely ending with a judge tossing this out. But in the meantime, it gives the far-right something to rally around—which might be the whole point.

The Bottom Line

Look, I’m no legal expert, but this smells like desperation. These guys got caught dead to rights, and now they’re throwing spaghetti at the wall. Will it stick? Doubt it. But it sure keeps the January 6th debate alive—and ugly.

What’s your take? Legit grievance or total nonsense? Sound off in the comments.