Andrew Malekoff
Proud Boy Joseph Biggs was proud of himself on Jan. 6. 2020. So much so that he released video selfies that depict him beaming with joy at the U.S. Capitol on that fateful day.
In one video he celebrated with his conspiratorial comrades, laughing, and boldly declaring “We stormed the f—ing Capitol, took the motherf—-r back, that was so much fun, Whooo! Jan. 6 will be a day in infamy.”
In August 2023, nearly three years later, Joyful Joe was brought to tears after being sentenced to 17 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly after a jury found Biggs and three other Proud Boys guilty of seditious conspiracy.
“I was seduced by the crowd. Curiosity got the better of me and I will regret that for the rest of my life,” Biggs explained, as reported by the Washington Post.
Can you recall a time in your life, maybe as a teenager, when you had a “great night” doing risky things with your friends that were destined to be legend in your school or town for decades? And, then when you woke up the next morning, you shook your head and thought, “Uh, oh! What did I do?”
In Joyful Joe’s case, it took him three years to fully absorb the wake-up call.
“Biggs cried as he begged Judge Kelly to allow him an opportunity to be present for his young daughter who he said was molested by a family member and is now in the care of his mother,” reported Jacklyn Diaz for the Washington Post. “I am not a terrorist,” a shattered Biggs pleaded. “I know I have to be punished, but at least give me the opportunity to take my daughter to school one day.”
It is unlikely that Joyful Joe’s newly found regret will dissipate in the decades to come. No, it will be a time for reflection in which he will learn more about loss than he ever imagined.
In addition to losing his freedom, by the time his period of incarceration comes to an end he will have missed the better part of being with her during her precious childhood years. Maybe he will also reflect on how he was seduced by a charismatic cult leader, a grifter who demands loyalty from his fawning subjects, but never reciprocates.
Will Biggs’ example deter others from jumping on the domestic violence bandwagon and collaborating in violent schemes that involve Trump’s de facto extremist paramilitary groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers?
To date more than 1,100 people have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. According to the Axios news website, “110 people have been found guilty at trial and about 366 have been sentenced to incarceration in connection to the attack, according to figures from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. About 632 people have pleaded guilty to federal charges, including many who could face incarceration at sentencing.”
At the same time as criminal Defendant Trump’s terrorist troops are living in cages, their “angel” casually strolls around myriad golf courses in his leisure. He even finds time to provide updates for his loyal subjects. Like this one that the self-styled autocrat posted on August 26:
“I am pleased to report, for those that care, that I just won the Senior Club Championship at Bedminster (Trump National Golf Club), shooting a round of 67.”
I’m sure that was comforting news for all those who sacrificed their freedom for America’s Dear Leader and his aborted plan to upend the peaceful transfer of power.
Considering criminal Defendant Trump’s success on the links, I cannot help but wonder if any of the hundreds of Jan. 6 insurrection inmates, including Joseph Biggs, are wishing they had never stood back and stood by.
