Although they were mobilized on a number of occasions in support of Trump before the 2024 election, it was, at all, enough. dullEspecially compared to 2020. This pushed speculation that the band was on its last stages.
Then, on Monday, while Trump swore, more than 100 uniformed proud boys marched through the streets of Washington, led by their south-flower chapter.
It was a striking scene – that seemed to send a clear message: “We returned.”
Since January 6, 2021, DC has been perceived by the far right as an inaccessible zone for Trump supporters of all strips. But on Monday the proud boys chanted “whose streets – our streets.” They received a heroic welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen on Video Recorded by independent journalist Ford Fischer.
On Tuesday, as bureaucratic bugs delayed the release of about a dozen 6-year-olds from the DC prison, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four uniformed proud boys. Although three of them had their faces covered, they grinded with what appeared to be zero concern for stigma by other attendees. Oath Keeper’s founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18 -year sentence for a rebellious plot was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside the prison – walking free from federal prison in Maryland the night before.
One of the proud boys present spoke at the unprepared rally outside the prison, identifying himself as “Harry Fox”. (That was the same name that other proud boys gave reporters on the inaugural day.)
“Donald Trump is back, baby. He returned, and he is stronger than ever, ”he said over the microphone. “I am so proud of what US citizens did that day,” he added, referenced on January 6, “to finally set up after decades of abuse and suppression of authoritarian regime.”
He ended his speech with the slogan Proud Boys: “I am a western chauvinist, and I will not apologize for creating the modern world.” The crowd shouted.
Tarrio, in his phone call to Jones on Tuesday, explained that he looks at the role of the proud boys as no different from what was four years ago – he sees them as the foot soldiers and the GOP muscle. “I think the future of the club will be as it has always been,” said Tarrio. “A group of men who love the United States, go around and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from attacking … We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters against attacking their political views.”
He suggested that he feel justified by Trump’s election win and decision to forgive almost everyone involved in the January 6 turmoil. “We went through hell, and I will tell you: it was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we represented and what those guys represented is what we fought for is what we saw yesterday on the inaugural stage … I can’t tell you that it was easy. But I will tell you it was worth it. ”
