D.C. Officer Guilty for Leaking Intelligence to Proud Boys Leader Before Jan. 6
In a verdict that underscores the alarming ties between extremist groups and law enforcement, former D.C. police lieutenant Shane Lamond was found guilty Monday of tipping off Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio just before the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Lamond, once head of the D.C. police intelligence unit, secretly warned Tarrio of his impending arrest, enabling the far-right Proud Boys to stay one step ahead of law enforcement. The conviction follows a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who, after hearing evidence over the course of a week, declared Lamond guilty on all charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements.
Key Takeaways
- High-Stakes Trial: Lamond, a 24-year veteran of the department, was convicted of notifying Tarrio about an arrest warrant stemming from Tarrio’s role in burning a Black Lives Matter flag stolen from a historic African American church.
- Alarming Law Enforcement Ties: Judge Jackson noted that the officer was effectively working for the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, rather than using Tarrio as an informant.
- Deception Exposed: Prosecutors presented evidence that Lamond lied to investigators to conceal his communications with Tarrio, demonstrating a breach of public trust from within the police force.
- Proud Boys’ Role: The Proud Boys had already drawn widespread scrutiny for their involvement in the pro-Trump rally on Jan. 6 that turned into a violent siege on the U.S. Capitol.
A Cat-and-Mouse Game Before Jan. 6
Prosecutors argued that Lamond’s clandestine messaging with Tarrio gave the Proud Boys critical time to strategize and avoid law enforcement scrutiny in the days leading up to the Capitol riot. On Jan. 4, 2021, Lamond alerted Tarrio that he would soon be arrested for the flag-burning incident, effectively allowing Tarrio to prepare for the legal fallout. This insider information, according to prosecutors, left the police department and federal agencies at a severe disadvantage in thwarting potential violent plots.
Lamond’s defense contended that he had been using Tarrio as a confidential source, hoping to gain insight into Proud Boys activities before large-scale protests. However, Judge Jackson rejected this explanation. “The defendant was not using Tarrio as a source; it was the other way around,” she said. “He knew then and he knows now that it was wrong.”
Verdict and Reaction
After weighing the evidence, Judge Jackson issued a decisive ruling, finding Lamond guilty of:
- One Count of Obstruction of Justice: For disclosing to Tarrio that law enforcement intended to arrest him.
- Three Counts of Making False Statements: For misleading federal agents who investigated his connections to the Proud Boys.
The former lieutenant, a resident of Stafford, Virginia, showed little emotion as the verdict was read. Lamond pleaded not guilty but now faces possible prison time, signaling a critical stand against law enforcement figures who align with violent right-wing groups.
Broader Implications
Lamond’s conviction arrives as the nation continues grappling with the aftermath of Jan. 6, one of the most unsettling attacks on democracy in modern U.S. history. Far-right extremism has become a pressing concern, particularly when it finds sympathetic ears in positions of official authority. This case shines a spotlight on:
- Accountability in Policing: Ensuring that officers with extremist affiliations are rooted out and held accountable.
- Community Trust: Rebuilding faith in law enforcement, particularly in D.C., where local residents rely on the police for public safety amid ongoing political unrest.
- Future Investigations: How this conviction may influence ongoing probes into extremist activities and the roles of law enforcement professionals.
Historical Context and Citations
The events leading to Lamond’s conviction are part of an extensive federal investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. More than a thousand individuals have faced charges for their roles in the insurrection, which led to five deaths and assaulted nearly 140 police officers. This latest conviction reflects a broader U.S. Department of Justice emphasis on uncovering any breach of duty, especially from those sworn to uphold the law.
- Source: Hsu, Spencer S., Weiner, Rachel, and Jackman, Tom. “D.C. officer guilty for leaking to Proud Boys’ Tarrio before Jan. 6.” The Washington Post, December 23, 2024.
- Related Reading:
- “House Jan. 6 Committee Final Report” – U.S. House of Representatives (2022)
- “Timeline of the Jan. 6 Capitol Attack” – The Washington Post investigative series
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the verdict against Shane Lamond? Do you believe this case will deter other law enforcement officers from collaborating with extremist groups in the future? Share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage with fellow readers in the comments section below. Remember to like and share this article if you found it informative. Your voice matters—let’s keep the conversation going and continue working toward a more transparent and just society.
