DORAL, Fla. – Zuny Duarte Tarrio was cautiously optimistic, awaiting news that a pardon is coming for her son Enrique Tarrio.
Early Monday evening, the family released a statement that Enrique Tarrio had been pardoned by President Donald Trump.
The former Proud Boys leader was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his role in planning the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
Duarte Tarrio said she spoke to her son earlier Monday.
“He’s very excited. It’s surreal to him. He’s ready to go,” Duarte Tarrio said.
Tarrio’s mother was one of a few dozen people gathered at Las Vegas restaurant in Doral for a private watch party, taking in the sights and sounds of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
“It was the best and most exciting inauguration I think ever,” Duarte Tarrio added.
Gina Bisignano, a South Florida native who lives in Los Angeles, was also awaiting news of a pardon.
“If President Trump had not won, America would be done,” Gina said. “I knew that we would be redeemed at some point.”
Tarrio was sentenced in September 2023. His attorney requested a pardon from President Trump on his behalf just days before the inauguration, on the anniversary of the Capitol riot.
Trump promised pardons on day one.
“Having him home is like God’s gift to us,” Duarte Tarrio said.
The family said Enrique Tarrio was officially pardoned and released on Monday and that he is expected to return to South Florida on Tuesday afternoon.