The Proud Boys Are Plotting a Comeback. And They Want Revenge

Although they converged in a few instances in support of Trump before the 2024 election, it was overall lazyEspecially compared to 2020. This fueled speculation that the gang was on its last legs.

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

It was an interesting 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 chanted “Whose road-our road.” They received a hero’s welcome by other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen video Recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fisher.

On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafus delayed the release of nearly a dozen January 6-ERs from D.C. jails, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four proud boys in uniform. Although three of them had their faces covered, they seemed to have zero concern about stigma from others present. Oath Keeper founder Stuart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for treasonous conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared out of jail — having been released from a federal prison in Maryland the night before.

One of the proud boys present addressed the impromptu rally outside the jail, introducing himself as “Harry Fox”. (It was the same name that other Proud Boys gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)

“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever,” he said into the microphone. “I’m very proud of what American citizens did that day,” he added, referring to Jan. 6, “to finally stand up after being persecuted and oppressed by a dictatorial regime.”

He ended his speech with a proud boys’ slogan: “I am a Western chauvinist, and I will not apologize for creating the modern world.” The crowd cheered.

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

He suggested he felt vindicated by Trump’s election victory and decision to pardon nearly everyone involved in the January 6 riots. “We went through hell, and I’ll tell you: it was worth it,” Tario told Jones. “What we stood for and what those guys stood for is what we’re fighting for, what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage … I can’t tell you it was easy. But I’ll tell you it’s worth it.”