Although they mobilized in some instances in support of Trump ahead of the 2024 election, overall, it was neutral. dimEspecially compared to 2020. This led to speculation that the gang was on its last legs.
Then, on Monday, as Trump was taking the oath of office, more than 100 uniformed Proud Boys, led by their South-Florida chapter, marched through the streets of Washington, DC.
It was a wonderful sight – one that was meant to send a clear message: “We're back.”
Since January 6, 2021, DC has been viewed by the far right as a no-go zone for Trump supporters of all types. But on Monday, the Proud Boys chanted “Whose streets—our streets?” As can be seen, he was welcomed as a hero by other Trump supporters in the crowd Video Recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fisher.
On Tuesday, as bureaucracy delayed the release of about a dozen people from the D.C. jail on Jan. 6, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four Proud Boys in uniform. Although three of them had their faces covered, they were still roaming around without any concern about the stigma of other people present there. Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for treasonous conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared out of prison – having been released from a federal prison in Maryland last night.
One of the Proud Boys present identified himself as “Harry Fox” at the impromptu rally outside the prison. (This was the same name other Proud Boys gave to reporters on Inauguration Day.)
“Donald Trump is back, baby. He's back, and he's stronger than ever,” he said on the microphone. “I am very proud of what American citizens did that day,” he said, referring to Jan. 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 made it clear in his phone call to Jones on Tuesday that he doesn't see the Proud Boys' role any different than it did four years ago — he sees them as foot soldiers and a strength of the GOP. Tarrio said, “I think the future of the club will be the same as it has always been.” “A group of men who love America, hang around and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from being attacked… We will protect ourselves and Trump supporters from being attacked for their political views.”
He suggested he felt vindicated by Trump's election victory and his decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the January 6 riot. “We went through hell, and I'll tell you: It was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “We're fighting for what we stood for and what those people stood for, that's what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage… I can't tell you it's been easy. But I will tell you that it is worth it.