Proud Boy & Texas Man Admit Capitol Riot Guilt

WASHINGTON D.C. – Nicholas Ochs, the founder of the Hawaii Proud Boys chapter, and Nicholas DeCarlo of Texas have confessed to federal crimes stemming from the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. The pair admitted to obstructing an official proceeding, a felony charge that carries a significant prison sentence. This isn’t about a peaceful protest gone wrong; it’s about a deliberate attempt to derail the certification of a presidential election.

The feds say Ochs and DeCarlo weren’t just spectators. They actively participated in the chaos, throwing smoke bombs at law enforcement officers attempting to maintain order. The duo then illegally entered the Capitol building through the Senate Wing Doors, joining the mob that ransacked offices and terrorized those inside. Evidence revealed they weren’t simply swept along with the crowd; they moved intentionally through key areas – the Crypt, Visitor’s Center, Statuary Hall, and the Rotunda – causing disruption and fear.

DeCarlo distinguished himself with a particularly chilling act of vandalism: he scrawled “Murder the Media” on a Capitol Building door. This wasn’t spontaneous rage; the message was linked to a social media channel he co-created with Ochs, indicating a pre-existing animosity and intent to intimidate journalists. This isn’t free speech; it’s a direct threat against those fulfilling a vital role in a democratic society.

Ochs traveled from Honolulu to Washington D.C. on January 5th, 2021, and linked up with DeCarlo, who made the trip from Texas. They stayed together in Virginia before joining the rally at the Ellipse. The feds have video evidence of Ochs recording the entire event, documenting their actions inside the Capitol. He wasn’t trying to hide anything; he was broadcasting it. This self-incrimination played a key role in building the case against him.

Both men were arrested in the days following the riot – Ochs in Honolulu on January 7th, and DeCarlo in Burleson, Texas, on January 26th. They’ve been free on bond since, but that’s about to change. Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2022, and both face years behind bars. The obstruction charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the feds are expected to push for a harsh sentence given the seriousness of the offense and the defendants’ leadership roles.

Federal prosecutors, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division, have been relentless in pursuing those responsible for the January 6th attack. This guilty plea is a small victory, but the investigation is far from over. The feds are still actively seeking tips and evidence to identify and prosecute all those involved in the attempted overthrow of a democratic process. This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and the determination of law enforcement to hold them accountable.