What is Seditious Conspiracy?

The former leader of the Proud Boys, Henry 'Enrique' Tarrio, has been found guilty of seditious conspiracy in the US Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021, and sentenced to 22 years in prison - the longest sentence delivered to date for the riots. He was also found guilty of the lesser charge of obstructing official proceedings at a federal court in Washington, D.C.

So what exactly is seditious conspiracy and who are the Proud Boys? 
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Seditious conspiracy

Seditious conspiracy is a federal crime under Title 18, Section 2384 of the US Code that involves two or more people conspiring to overthrow, levy war against, or oppose by force the authority of the US government, or to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any US law. Expressing dissent or disagreement with the government is not in and of itself a seditious conspiracy as the First Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to free speech.
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What is the maximum sentence? ‍

A conviction for seditious conspiracy carries a fine or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both.

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Who are the Proud Boys? 

The Proud Boys are an all-male, far-right extremist organization formed in the US in 2016. The group is described by Stanford University as Islamophobic, anti-Semitic, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, and xenophobic. Canada designated the Proud Boys as a terrorist entity in 2021.

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Who else has been charged with seditious conspiracy? 

Oath Keepers - At least four members of the Oath Keepers have been found guilty of seditious conspiracy related to the US Capitol breach. The US Justice Department said the defendants plotted to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, including by amassing an armed ‘quick reaction force’ on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

The Hutaree Militia - Members of a Michigan-based Christian group were charged with seditious conspiracy after allegedly plotting to kill police officers and foment a revolt against the government. The seditious conspiracy charges were dropped in 2012 because they were based on circumstantial evidence. NBC News described the case as an embarrassment for the US government as the FBI secretly planted an informant inside the militia and claimed members were armed for war in Michigan.

‍The Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional / Armed Forces of National Liberation, FALN) - Members of a Puerto Rican paramilitary organization who advocated independence for Puerto Rico were charged with seditious conspiracy and weapons violations dating back to the 1970s. In a controversial decision, former President Bill Clinton offered clemency to some members in 1999 under the condition that they renounce any kind of violent manifestation.