DONKEY: Proud Boys Leader Gets 22 Years For Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

Summary

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Donkey of the Day: Proud Boys Leader Gets 22 Years For Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

Podcast: Donkey of the Day (The Breakfast Club, Power 105.1 FM)
Host: Charlamagne Tha God
Date: February 25, 2025
Subject: Enrique Tarrio receives "Donkey of the Day" after being sentenced to 22 years for his role in the January 6th Capitol Riot.

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Overview

In this installment of “Donkey of the Day,” Charlamagne calls out Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, after Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for coordinating the January 6th insurrection. The segment scrutinizes supposed "patriot" behavior, accountability, and what forgiveness and second chances should look like for high-profile offenders. With pointed humor and biting commentary, Charlamagne condemns Tarrio’s continued arrogance despite receiving a pardon and contrasts it to the suffering of law enforcement personnel involved on January 6th.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Context

• Enrique Tarrio: Former Proud Boys leader, sentenced to 22 years for orchestrating the insurrection on January 6, 2021. Had previously received a pardon from then-president Donald Trump.
• Reality Check for "Patriots": Charlamagne examines the contradiction in self-proclaimed patriots attacking law enforcement and the U.S. Capitol.

2. Contradictions of Patriotism

• Respect for Law Enforcement?
  • "[…] do you respect law enforcement or not? Because if he respected law enforcement, then ex Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone wouldn't have gotten dragged into the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6th." (Charlamagne, 02:48)
  • Dramatic retelling of Fanone's assault: "[He] was dragged into the mob, beaten and tased until he suffered a heart attack. That don't sound like true patriotism to me."
• "True Patriotism":
  • "True patriots show their love and respect to law enforcement, and true patriots respect the Capitol building that is a worldwide symbol of democracy." (Charlamagne, 03:12)

3. The Failings of Enrique Tarrio

• Second Chances and the Trump Pardon
  • "Enrique Terrio doesn't care about any of that because he was given a second chance by Donald J. Trump. The man was pardoned by 4547 so he doesn't have to spend 22 years worrying about someone storming the capital of his anus." (Charlamagne, 03:20)
  • Humor and wordplay are used to underscore the absurdity of Tarrio’s failure to change.
• Missed Opportunity for Redemption
  • "You would think that maybe, just maybe, Enrique would have learned something from his brief stint in prison... But no. A potential dialogue opportunity turned into a confrontation." (Charlamagne, 03:50)

4. Confrontation with Officer Fanone (Audio Clip)

• Marcus Grant as Enrique Tarrio (audio clip):
  • "You were powered that day. You were powered after. You're a traitor to this country. Yes, sir. You fired your ass. And that's why you're all beat. Little failure. Run for me. Run for me. You can say that while you're over there." (04:10–04:33)
• Charlamagne Responds:
  • "Enrique, do you know you are absolutely wrong? You are absolutely wrong on January 6th, and you are absolutely wrong. And how you handled former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanon." (Charlamagne, 04:33)
  • Reiterates Fanone's service and sacrifice: "[…] a public servant who took an oath to protect and serve the Capitol. And that's exactly what he did. And y' all beat on that man for doing his job, Tased that man for doing his job, and caused him to have a heart attack for doing his job." (Charlamagne, 04:38)

5. Accountability vs. Politics

• "Look, man, this isn't about politics. It's about accountability, okay? Enrique, you are the poster child for ungratefulness." (Charlamagne, 05:29)
• Pointing out privilege: "Do you know how many nonviolent drug offenders in prison right now would love to have a pardon? And instead of humbling yourself, you out here with your chest out like you did a bid for something honorable." (Charlamagne, 05:18)

6. Notable Analogies & Humor

• Insurrections and orgies:
  • "In fact, insurrections and orgies have one thing in common. If you don't have a real plan, which y' all didn't, it ends up being just a bunch of dudes standing around with nothing to do but each other. I don't even know why my brain works like that." (Charlamagne, 05:43)
• Prison commentary:
  • "There are people right now who think you should be in prison with Kool Aid on your lips, identifying as someone's prison bait, okay?" (Charlamagne, 05:40)

7. Closing Call-Out

• "Please remember, Enrique, you got pardoned, okay? Not exonerated. If you are seen as a traitor and clown, guess what? You earned that, okay?" (Charlamagne, 05:57)
• "You planned an attack on the Capitol. You inspired people to go to war over a lie that the election was stolen. And what makes it worse is you didn't even go get your hands dirty with them on January 6th." (Charlamagne, 06:07)

8. Signature Sign-Off

• Signature "Hee Haw" from Remy Ma: "'Please let Remy Ma give Enrique Terrio the biggest hee haw.' Hee haw. Hee haw. You stupid mother. Are you dumb?" (Charlamagne & Remy Ma, 06:15)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• Charlamagne:
  • "[…] do you respect law enforcement or not? Because if he respected law enforcement, then ex Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone wouldn't have gotten dragged into the mob[…]" (02:48)
  • "Enrique, you are absolutely wrong on January 6th, and you are absolutely wrong. And how you handled former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanon." (04:33)
  • "Look, man, this isn't about politics. It's about accountability, okay? Enrique, you are the poster child for ungratefulness." (05:29)
  • "You got pardoned, okay? Not exonerated. If you are seen as a traitor and clown, guess what? You earned that, okay?" (05:57)
• Remy Ma (Sound effect):
  • "Hee haw. Hee haw. You stupid mother. Are you dumb?" (06:15)
• Charlamagne’s analogy:
  • “In fact, insurrections and orgies have one thing in common… it ends up being just a bunch of dudes standing around with nothing to do but each other.” (05:43)

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Summary & Takeaways

• Theme: The dangers of unchecked extremism, the hypocrisy of so-called "patriots," and the importance of genuine accountability—even when second chances (like pardons) are given.
• Core Critique: Tarrio squandered immense privilege and a second chance to change, instead doubling down on antagonism and victimhood.
• Message: Accountability transcends politics. Those who commit crimes against democracy and law enforcement must face consequences, and no pardon can erase the harm caused—or grant instant redemption.

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Transcript

[Maya]

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[Drew Phillips]

And I'm Drew Phillips.

[Enya Umanzor]

And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

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If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated adhd.

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Oh, my God, perfect.

[Drew Phillips]

And want to hear people with mental illness psychobabble.

[Enya Umanzor]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Drew Phillips]

Then Emergency Intercom's the podcast for you. Open your free iHeartradio app, search emergency Intercom, and listen Now.

[Curly]

The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season four is here, and we're locked in. That means more juicy cheesement, terrible love advice, evil spells to cast on your ex.

[Charlene]

No, no, we're not doing that this season.

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Oh, well, this season we're leveling up.

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Each episode will feature a special bestie, and you're not gonna wanna miss it. My name is Curly.

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Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or.

[Enya Umanzor]

Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Marcus Grant]

I'm Marcus Grant.

[Michael F. Florio]

And I'm Michael F. Florio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast.

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Ready to dominate your fantasy league this.

[Michael F. Florio]

Season, then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies.

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Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Shock Incarceration Narrator]

What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced.

[Charlene]

He said, you are a number, a New York state number, and we own you.

[Unknown Shock Incarceration Narrator]

Listen to shock incarceration on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Curly]

And so we are in a state of emergency.

[Charlene]

Okay, White supremacist violence is and always has been the number one threat to our society.

[Marcus Grant]

But I'm also very proud that my wife is white.

[Charlene]

That's a breakfast club, bitches. All right, Charlene, please tell me, why.

[Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman]

Was I your donkey of the day?

[Charlene]

Yes. Donkey of the day for Tuesday, February 25th goes to Enrique Tarrio. If you don't know the name, he is the former leader of the Proud Boys. Not just the former leader of the Proud Boys, but a former leader of the Proud Boys who was sentenced to 22 years in prison because he was found guilty of helping coordinate the insurrection that happened on January 6, 2021. Now, this is what I don't understand about some of you patriots, okay? And I put patriots in air quotes. What I don't understand about you all is do you respect law enforcement or not? Because if he respected law enforcement, then ex Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone wouldn't have gotten dragged into the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6th. That police officer was attempting to defend the Capitol from these domestic terrorists we call vanilla isis. And he was dragged into the mob, beaten and tased until he suffered a heart attack. That don't sound like true patriotism to me. Okay? True patriots show their love and respect to law enforcement, and true patriots respect the Capitol building that is a worldwide symbol of democracy. But Enrique Terrio doesn't care about any of that because he was given a second chance by Donald J. Trump. The man was pardoned by 4547 so he doesn't have to spend 22 years worrying about someone storming the capital of his anus. Stop to steal. Takes on a whole new meaning in a prison shower, okay? But what happens when a pardoned former leader of the proud boys sees an ex Capitol Police officer in the street? You would think that maybe, just maybe, Enrique would have learned something from his brief stint in prison. You would think he would reflect. You would think that Enrique would have said to himself, you know what? Law enforcement was just doing their job. We were being idiots. And I'm so grateful to have a second chance at life. So let me mind my business. But no. A potential dialogue opportunity turned into a confrontation. Let's listen.

[Marcus Grant]

You were powered that day. You were powered after. You're a traitor to this country. Yes, sir. You fired your ass. And that's why you're all beat. Little failure. Run for me. Run for me. You can say that while you're over there.

[Charlene]

Enrique, do you know you are absolutely wrong? You are absolutely wrong on January 6th, and you are absolutely wrong. And how you handled former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanon. Just know, okay, that he is a member of law enforcement. Former member of law enforcement, but still a member of law enforcement. Okay? He is a member of law enforcement, a public servant who took an oath to protect and serve the Capitol. And that's exactly what he did. And y' all beat on that man for doing his job, Tased that man for doing his job, and caused him to have a heart attack for doing his job. Michael Fanon, you heard in the audio just now, he used the right and exact language when. When talking To Enrique, you are a traitor to this country. You orchestrated a coup to overthrow the results of an election, and you are making your president, Donald J. Trump, look like a fool because he said January 6th was a day of love. He said you all were patriots. Where is the love, Enrique? Where is the respect for yourself? Where is the respect for your president and the pardon he gave you? Okay? All you did with this stunt was make him look crazy for even pardoning you in the first place, okay? It's people right now who think you should be in prison with Kool Aid on your lips, identifying as someone's prison bait, okay? In fact, insurrections and orgies have one thing in common. If you don't have a real plan, which y' all didn't, it ends up being just a bunch of dudes standing around with nothing to do but each other. I don't even know why my brain works like that. But the moral of the story is, Enrique, you got hit with 22 years because you helped orchestrate the chaos of January 6th. You got a sweet deal with a pardon. Do you know how many nonviolent drug offenders in prison right now would love to have a pardon? And instead of humbling yourself, you out here with your chest out like you did a bid for something honorable. Look, man, this isn't about politics. It's about accountability, okay? Enrique, you are the poster child for ungratefulness. You got a blessing. A blessing in the form of a pardon. And instead of falling back, staying low, letting time pass, you chose to still be on BS with a former police officer who almost died because of foolishness you helped to orchestrate. Please remember, Enrique, you got pardoned, okay? Not exonerated. If you are seen as a traitor and clown, guess what? You earned that, okay? You planned an attack on the Capitol. You inspired people to go to war over a lie that the election was stolen. And what makes it worse is you didn't even go get your hands dirty with them on January 6th. Please let Remy Ma give Enrique Terrio the biggest hee haw. Hee haw. Hee haw. You stupid mother. Are you dumb? That's right. All right, Crazy. You in here with that norovirus. I know that Nora virus when I hear it. Now, she usually got a mask on. She chilling with none on today. What's up, man?

[Enya Umanzor]

Coughing.

[Charlene]

I can't sneeze in that direction. You can't be sneezing to me. I got places to be, all right? Okay. Like the third annual Black Effect Podcast Festival, which is happening Wednesday. No, Saturday, April 26th. Okay? Tickets go on sale tomorrow. Wednesday, February 26th at 12:00pm Eastern. Okay, the Trap Nerds podcast. Good Moms Bad Choices podcast, The Naked Sports podcast with Carrie Champion. The R and B Money podcast with Tank and J. Valentine. And the Woman Evolved podcast with Sarah Jakes Roberts. Okay, tickets on sale February 26th. Tomorrow, 12pm Eastern. Saturday, April 26th, Pullman Yards, Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by Mandy B. And Weezy. Third annual Black Effect Podcast Festival. We'll see you there. That's right, shout out to Louis v. He'll be DJing that. My guy Louis V will be providing the soundtrack. What up, Louie? Drop on the Clues Bombs for Louis V. Donkey of the Day is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull. Lame. Soft. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever injured, go to Michael the Bull Dot com. That's Michael the Bull Dot com. And when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

[Marcus Grant]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Charlene]

The Breakfast Club.

[Enya Umanzor]

Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor.

[Drew Phillips]

And I'm Drew Phillips, and we run.

[Enya Umanzor]

A podcast called Emergency Intercom.

[Drew Phillips]

If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated adhd.

[Enya Umanzor]

Oh, my God, perfect.

[Drew Phillips]

And want to hear people with mental illness psychobabble.

[Enya Umanzor]

Yes, yes.

[Drew Phillips]

Then Emergency Intercom's the podcast for you. Open your free iHeartradio app, search emergency Intercom and listen.

[Maya]

Now, do we really need another podcast with a condescending finance bro trying to tell us how to spend our own money? No, thank you. Instead, check out Brown Ambition. Each week, I your host, Mandy Money gives you real talk, real advice with a heavy dose of I feel useless. Like on Fridays when I take your questions for the ba. Whether you're trying to invest for your future, navigate a toxic workplace, I got you. Listen to Brown ambition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Marcus Grant]

I'm Marcus Grant.

[Michael F. Florio]

And I'm Michael F. Florio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast.

[Unknown NFL Fantasy Football Co-host]

Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?

[Michael F. Florio]

Then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips and winning strategies.

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Whether you're a rookie manager or a.

[Michael F. Florio]

Fantasy vet, we've got the insight to help you crush your opponents.

[Unknown NFL Fantasy Football Co-host]

Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman]

I'm Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, host of the psychology podcast. Here's a clip from an upcoming conversation about how to be a better you. When you think about emotion regulation, you're not going to choose an adaptive strategy which is more effort to use unless you think there's a good outcome. Avoidance is easier. Ignoring is easier. Denial is easier. Complex problem solving takes effort. Listen to the Psychology podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maya]

This is an iHeart podcast.