Authorities arrested Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the white nationalist Proud Boys, moments after landing in Washington, D.C. to attend demonstrations in protest of outgoing President Donald Trump's loss in the U.S. election, USA Today and multiple news sources reported Tuesday.
Tarrio, 36, was arrested Monday for charges of property destruction after he admitted to destroying a Black Lives Matter banner on a Black church during a protest in the country's capital last month, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said.
Tarrio, of Miami, had in his possession two high-powered firearm magazines when he was arrested, a spokesman for MPD said. Authorities additionally charged him with "possession of high capacity feeding device", which can carry a three-year imprisonment if convicted.
Trump has been calling on supporters to gather in Washington, D.C. this week for another round of protests. Members of the House of Representatives are set to approve certification for President-elect Joe Biden's election win before he takes office on January 20.
Tarrio vowed last week in a message he posted on the right-wing social media platform Parler that there would be 1,000 Proud Boys "boots on the ground" at the demonstrations. He also warned they would not be donning their signature yellow and black uniforms but would go "incognito" and keep a low profile.
Tarrio, who is a convicted felon, did not answer his phone or respond to text messages after his arrest. He also serves as chief of staff of Latinos for Trump, a support organization with strong ties to the White House. Tarrio's followers expressed their anger at the news of his arrest.
His arrest is expected to have implications for a series of demonstrations being prepared for the capital this weekend. Authorities are already on high alert and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned locals to avoid the downtown area during the protests.
