The Proud Boys are planning a comeback. And They Want Revenge
Although in some cases they have campaigned in support of Trump ahead of the 2024 election, overall it has been fairly even. faintespecially compared to 2020. This has fueled speculation that the gang is on its last legs.
Then, on Monday, as Trump was being sworn in, more than 100 uniformed Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington, DC, led by their south Florida chapter.
It was a powerful scene—one that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We are back.”
Since January 6, 2021, DC has been considered a no-go zone by the far right for Trump supporters of all stripes. But on Monday, the Proud Boys chanted “Whose streets—our streets.” They received a hero’s welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen above videotape recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fischer.
On Tuesday, as the bureaucracy delayed the release of about a dozen January 6 inmates from the D.C. jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four uniformed Proud Boys. Even though three of them had their faces covered, they still walked around seemingly unconcerned about the discrimination from others present. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year prison sentence Trump commuted for attempted insurrection, also appeared outside prison – after escaping from a federal prison in Maryland the night before.
One of the Proud Boys present spoke at the impromptu rally outside the prison, identifying himself as “Harry Fox.” (This is the same name other Proud Boys gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)
“Donald Trump is back, baby. He is back and stronger than ever,” he said through the microphone. “I am so proud of what the American people did that day,” he added, referring to Jan. 6, “for finally standing up after decades of abuse and oppression by a dictatorship.” .”
He ended his speech with the Proud Boys slogan: “I am a Western chauvinist, and I will not apologize for creating the modern world.” The crowd cheered.
Tarrio, in a phone call to Jones on Tuesday, made it clear that he sees the Proud Boys’ role as no different than it was four years ago — he sees them as the foot soldiers and muscle of the GOP. “I think the future of the club will be the same as always,” Tarrio said. “A group of men who love America, go around drinking beer and protecting Trump supporters from attack… We will protect ourselves and Trump supporters from attack because of their political views .”
He said he felt vindicated by Trump’s election victory and decision to pardon most of those involved in the January 6 riot. “We have been through hell and I will tell you: It was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stand for and what those people stand for is what we fought for what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage… I can’t tell you how easy it was easy. But I will tell you it was worth it.”
