Jeffrey David Reed, a member of both the Proud Boys and the Three Percenters, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Reed, 49, from Texas, was convicted of several charges, including felony civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building, and disorderly conduct. In addition to his prison sentence, Reed will face two years of probation upon release and a $2,000 fine.
Reed’s actions on January 6 were part of a violent surge by rioters at the Capitol, where he played a prominent role. Prosecutors noted that Reed had been in contact with other Proud Boys members the day before the attack, including receiving a message from Proud Boys president Enrique Tarrio about plans for the rally. Reed expressed frustration at the lack of organization, signaling his eagerness for a more aggressive approach.
On the morning of the attack, Reed met with other members of the group at the Washington Monument before heading to the Capitol. Equipped with a radio, Reed was at the forefront of the rioters as they clashed with police officers. He was involved in moving bike racks that were being used as barriers, pushing them aside and forcing officers to retreat. Reed’s actions were described as particularly aggressive, as he was seen taunting officers, shouting at one to “You work for us,” and later engaging in a violent tug-of-war with a police officer over a bike rack. This confrontation caused the officer to fall to the ground.
As the rioters breached the Capitol building, Reed continued his disruptive behavior. Once inside, he walked through the Rotunda, smoking a cigarette and passing by the Speaker’s Lobby, where lawmakers were attempting to evacuate as the situation grew increasingly dangerous. After approximately 23 minutes inside, Reed and others were forced out of the building by police. However, he remained outside on the Capitol steps, where he destroyed a “Blue Lives Matter” flag, further escalating the chaos.
Reed’s actions were part of a broader pattern of aggression and determination to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s election victory. Prosecutors emphasized his unrelenting nature, noting that no matter what barrier or obstacle he encountered, Reed continued to push forward in his efforts to breach the Capitol.
During his sentencing, Reed expressed regret for his actions, stating that he would not have attended the rally had he known it would turn violent. He also indicated that he had since distanced himself from the Proud Boys, although he still bears a tattoo representing his affiliation with the Three Percenters, a militia group. His attorney argued that Reed’s involvement in the riot was partly driven by personal struggles, particularly his son’s severe autism diagnosis. The attorney suggested that Reed’s search for answers about his son’s condition led him down a path of conspiracy theories and extremist beliefs, which ultimately influenced his participation in the riot.
Reed’s case highlights the complex intersection of personal distress and extremist ideologies. While his actions on January 6 were violent and disruptive, his defense painted a picture of a father struggling to understand his son’s condition and becoming entangled in online communities that promoted far-right views. This narrative was part of an attempt to explain Reed’s motivations, though it did not absolve him of the consequences of his actions.
In the end, Reed was held accountable for his role in the insurrection. His conviction serves as a reminder of the real-world consequences of participating in violent political movements, and it underscores the ongoing legal and social ramifications of the January 6 Capitol attack. Reed’s prison sentence, probation, and fine are part of the broader effort to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the riot and to deter future participation in similar events.
