The Proud Boys Plan A Comeback. And they want revenge

Although they mobilized in a few cases in support of Trump before the 2024 elections, it was, in general, enough. insignificantespecially compared to 2020. This led to speculation that the gang was on its last legs.

Then, on Monday, as Trump took the oath of office, more than 100 Proud Boys in uniform marched through the streets of Washington, DC, led by their South Florida chapter.

It was an impressive scene – one that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We’re back.”

Since January 6, 2021, DC has been perceived by the far right as a no-go zone for Trump supporters of all stripes. But on Monday, the Proud Boys sang “Which streets – our streets.” They received a hero’s welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen above video recorded by freelance reporter Ford Fischer.

On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafus delayed the January 6 release of about a dozen from the D.C. jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four proud Boys in uniform. Although three of them had their faces covered, they walked with what seemed to be zero concern for the stigma from the others present. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside prison, having been released from a federal prison in Maryland the previous night.

One of the Proud Boys present spoke at the impromptu demonstration outside the prison, identifying himself as “Harry Fox”. (This was the same name that other Proud Boys had given to reporters on Inauguration Day.)

“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever,” he said into the microphone. “I am so proud of what American citizens did that day,” he added, referring to January 6, “to finally stand up after decades of abuse and oppression by an authoritarian regime.”

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 his phone call to Jones on Tuesday, made it clear that he sees the role of the Proud Boys as no different than it was four years ago – he sees them as the foot soldiers and the muscle of the GOP. “I think the future of the club will be what it has always been,” said Tarrio. “A group of men who love America, hang out and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from being assaulted … We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from being assaulted for their political views “.

He suggested that he feels vindicated by Trump’s election victory and the decision to pardon almost everyone who participated in the January 6 uprising. “We went through hell, and I’ll tell you: it was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we were up to and what those guys were up to is what we fought for, it’s what we saw yesterday on the opening stage … I can’t tell you it was easy. But I tell you it’s worth it “.