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Although they mobilized in a few cases to support Trump ahead of the 2024 election, it was generally fair. lifelessespecially compared to 2020. This led to speculation that the gang was on its last legs.
Then, on Monday, as Trump was sworn in, more than 100 uniformed Pride Boys, led by their south Florida chapter, marched through the streets of Washington, DC.
It was a surprising scene – one designed to send a clear message: “We’re back.”
Since January 6, 2021, DC has been treated by the far right as a no-go zone for Trump supporters. But on Monday, the Proud Boys chanted, “Whose streets are our streets.” They were apparently given a hero’s welcome by other Trump supporters in the crowd video recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fisher.
On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside as bureaucratic snafus delayed his roughly Jan. 6 release from the D.C. jail. Among them were at least four uniformed Proud Boys. Although three of them had their faces covered, they acted with what appeared to be zero concern for others about the stigma. Oath Keeper founder Stuart Rhodes, whose 18-year prison sentence was commuted by Trump, was also seen outside prison last night after being released from a federal prison in Maryland.
One of the Pride Boys who took part in the rally outside the prison introduced himself as “Harry Fox”. (It was the same name other Proud Boys gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)
“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back and stronger than ever,” he said in front of the microphone. “I am very proud of what the American citizens did that day,” he added, referring to January 6, when he “finally stood up after being bullied and oppressed by an authoritarian regime for decades.”
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.
In a phone call with Jones on Tuesday, Tarrio explained that the Proud Boys’ role is no different than it was four years ago — seeing them as foot soldiers and the 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, hang around and drink beer and protect Trump supporters from attack… We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from being attacked for their political views.”
He suggested that Trump was vindicated by his election victory and his decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the January 6 riots. “We went through hell and I’ll tell you: it was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stand for and what these kids stand for is what we saw on the inauguration stage yesterday… I can’t tell you it was easy. But I’ll tell you, it’s worth it.”
