A father-son duo, both former police officers and members of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group, faced legal consequences for their participation in the January 6 Capitol attack.
According to AP News, Nathaniel Tuck, 32, received a 14-month prison sentence and $4,000 in combined fines and restitution for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Tuck, who served as a police officer in Florida from 2012 to 2020, joined the Proud Boys in 2018 while still serving in law enforcement. His involvement in the Capitol attack included pushing past police officers and entering restricted areas alongside other members of the extremist group.
Prosecutors highlighted Tuck's premeditated participation in the attack, noting his coordination with other Proud Boys members. The group had openly discussed plans for violence and intentions to confront police at the Capitol. Tuck's resignation from his law enforcement position in October 2020 was reportedly influenced by the George Floyd incident, as stated to a federal probation officer.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly allowed Tuck to remain free until he began serving his sentence. The judge's decision came after Tuck pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder and a misdemeanor charge for entering and remaining in a restricted area.
Defense attorney William Shipley attempted to minimize Tuck's role, characterizing him as an observer rather than an active participant. He emphasized that Tuck did not engage in violence or property damage during the riot.
The sentencing highlights the ongoing legal aftermath of the Capitol riot, with over 1,500 individuals facing charges. The Proud Boys' involvement has drawn particular attention, especially following the conviction of their former leader, Enrique Tarrio.
Prosecutors cited Tuck's statement to the probation officer, revealing his departure from law enforcement. The "Space Coast" chapter member of the Proud Boys traveled to Washington, D.C., with his father Kevin, who also faces sentencing next Tuesday.
The group gained national attention during the 2020 presidential campaign when then-President Trump addressed them during a debate with Joe Biden. The organization's leadership has since faced severe consequences, with Tarrio receiving a 22-year prison sentence for seditious conspiracy.
The cases surrounding the January 6 attack continue to evolve within the current political landscape. Recent statements from political figures, including promises of potential pardons for Capitol rioters, have added complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Kevin Tuck, 52, who was employed as a police officer in Windermere, Florida, during the riot, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. His upcoming sentencing represents another chapter in the continuing effort to hold Capitol riot participants accountable.
The father-son case illustrates the intersection of law enforcement and extremist group membership that has emerged as a concerning pattern in the aftermath of January 6.
Nathaniel Tuck's sentencing is a notable milestone in the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, especially those with law enforcement backgrounds who aligned with extremist groups. The former police officer was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his actions during the riot, where he participated alongside his father and other Proud Boys members. This case underscores the Justice Department's focus on holding accountable those who not only took part in the insurrection but also violated their duty as law enforcement officers by associating with extremist organizations.
