Pezzola, a flooring contractor from Rochester, New York, became one of the more recognizable faces of the Capitol attack after video footage showed him smashing a window with a stolen police riot shield. His actions were seen as a symbol of the violent and destructive nature of the riot. Pezzola's sentencing comes as part of a larger prosecution of five members of the Proud Boys group, including leader Enrique Tarrio, who were charged with seditious conspiracy and other crimes related to the attack.

Despite being acquitted of the most severe charge of seditious conspiracy, Pezzola was convicted of several other felony counts stemming from his involvement in the breach, including obstruction of an official proceeding and destruction of government property. Prosecutors argued that Pezzola was one of the most violent members of the mob and asked for a 20-year prison sentence. However, Judge Kelly ultimately sentenced him to 10 years.

During the trial, evidence was presented that showed Pezzola had gathered with over 100 members of the Proud Boys at the Washington Monument before marching to the Capitol. He then attacked law enforcement, stole a riot shield, and used it to break a window before entering the building. In a selfie video taken from inside the Capitol Crypt, Pezzola proclaimed his belief that they could take over the building.

Pezzola's defense attorneys argued that there was no conspiracy among the Proud Boys and that their client was simply an enthusiastic foot soldier. They urged the court to sentence him to five years in prison. Pezzola himself took the stand and expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had given up on politics. However, as he walked out of the courtroom after sentencing, he defiantly shouted, "Trump won!"

During the sentencing hearing, Pezzola's wife, daughter, and mother addressed the judge, describing the negative impact the case had on their lives. Pezzola's wife said that their daughters had become victims of harassment and bullying at school, while his daughter emphasized her own accomplishments as a college student and scientist, noting that her father's actions had contributed to her success.

Pezzola's sentencing follows the previous day's sentencing of Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, both members of the Proud Boys, who were each sentenced to 17 and 15 years in prison respectively. They were found guilty of seditious conspiracy. Leader Enrique Tarrio is set to be sentenced on Tuesday.

The sentencing of Pezzola, along with the other Proud Boys members, is seen as a significant development in the government's efforts to hold those responsible for the Capitol attack accountable. The prosecution has argued that the actions of the Proud Boys and others on January 6 constituted an act of terrorism aimed at intimidating and coercing the government. While the sentencing of Pezzola falls short of the 20-year term requested by prosecutors, it is still a substantial punishment for his role in the attack.