Judge grants default judgment against Proud Boys for ignoring DC church's civil suit

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nstein
@AugensteinWTOP
·
Apr 9, 2021
BREAKING: Judge grants default judgment against Proud Boys for ignoring DC church's civil suit -- leader Enrique Tarrio by phone tells judge "I'm getting counsel for myself.' Superior Ct judge gives him til June 4 to respond to complaint from church that had BLM flag defaced.

Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
Lawyer for Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church had asked judge to grant default against Proud Boys International and Tarrio, for failing to respond to complaint. BLM signs were stolen from AME Dec. 12 during PB protest in DC. Tarrio later admitted involvement.


Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
·
Apr 9, 2021
Replying to @AugensteinWTOP
Today was Tarrio's first response to suit. Judge Heidi Pasichow said she was glad he decided to join. Tarrio said to judge: "I have a criminal case pending. I'm afraid anything I would say in the civil case would affect my criminal case -- I don't know how to respond."

Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
Pasichow: "Your representation re: PBI has been digested. Your concern for the criminal matter pending is certainly an appropriate response for you. I will give you a chance to get counsel and respond."
@AugensteinWTOP
·
Apr 9, 2021
Replying to @AugensteinWTOP
Judge Pasichow said court could offer pamphlet on getting lawyer. Typically, in a civil case, a response to complaint is due within 21 days. Church severed Tarrio and PLB w complaint in early Jan. Judge: "That was filed many moons ago."

Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
Judge said Tarrio can proceed pro se if he wants: "That is up to you." But, judge made clear if Tarrio represents himself, he must be responsive: "Your answer must be filed sooner, rather than later. Time is of the essence."


Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
·
Apr 9, 2021
Replying to @AugensteinWTOP
Tarrio acknowledged he understood the judge. He's got a criminal court appearance June 8 for two gun counts. He (and perhaps a civil atty) are expected to appear virtually June 4, says judge.

Neal Augenstein
@AugensteinWTOP
Judge to Tarrio: "Even if you don't have a lawyer, there needs to be a responsive pleading. There will be consequences in terms of your liability, if you don't move this along." Plaintive atty Jeannie Rhee said church is looking forward to suit moving forward. --End--