ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 18: Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, is seen at a “Stop the Steal” rally against the results of the US presidential election outside the Georgia State Capitol on 18 November 2020 in Atlanta, Georg
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) – FOX 5 learned that the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, was arrested in DC
Evan Lambert of FOX 5 reports that Tarrio is facing property destruction charges in relation to him, saying he burned a Black Lives Matter flag that was stolen from a black church in December during a district protest.
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DC police confirmed on Monday night that police officers arrested Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, 36, of Miami, Florida.
He was charged with Property Destruction related to a crime that occurred on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at block 900 on 11th Street, Northwest.
Police said that at the time of his arrest, Tarrio was found in possession of two high-capacity firearms magazines. He was further charged with possession of a high-capacity power device.
READ MORE: DC Church suing Proud Boys for Black Lives Matter vandalism
Earlier on Monday, the Metropolitan African Episcopal Methodist Church in DC filed a lawsuit against the Proud Boys and Tarrio, claiming that the group climbed their fence and dropped a large Black Lives Matter plaque on display.
It was one of two historically black churches that were vandalized during the protests.
READ MORE: DC Church replaces Black Lives Matter banner destroyed during protest clashes
“White supremacists, like the Proud Boys, would rather see the country burn than see it united under justice and freedom for all,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under the Law. “Black churches and other religious institutions have a long and terrible history of being targets of white supremacists in racist and violent attacks with the aim of intimidating and creating fear. Our process aims to hold those who are involved in such actions accountable. We are proud to represent Metropolitan AME, which has a long history of resistance against intolerance and hatred and whose courage and determination to fight is a beacon of hope for the community. ”