Auburn-area Proud Boy arraigned in federal court for Capitol riot charges

Ethan Nordean, 30, is accused of leading and participating in the January 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.

Nordean, who lives near Auburn, is a self-described “Sergeant of Arms” for the far-right extremist group, Proud Boys.

During a hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia via zoom Tuesday, prosecutors for the Department of Justice read aloud the multiple charges Nordean faces.

They include: conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, destruction of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and aiding and abetting.

Nordean pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Department of Justice says Nordean was a key figure in planning the riot and was close to the front of the crowd on January 6. Court documents say before the riot Nordean raised money online for body armor gear and radio communication equipment. Photos from that day allegedly show Nordean inside the Capitol Building.

Nordean could face more than 30 years in prison if convicted.

Three other defendants are involved in Nordean’s case though only one appeared in court with him Tuesday. Joseph Biggs from Florida is seen in pictures with Nordean during the incident and is facing similar charges.

Nordean was a regular at far-right rallies around Seattle and Portland. Multiple videos on social media show Nordean fighting with other Proud Boys at political rallies. In summer 2020, he attended a “Defend-SPD” rally at Seattle City Hall.

Earlier this month a federal judge granted Nordean’s request to be released from law enforcement custody pending his trial. He was ordered to spend most of his time at his home near Auburn and attended Tuesday’s court hearing through zoom.

His next court date is set for April 1.