Although they mobilized in support of Trump on a few occasions before the 2024 election, overall, especially compared to 2020, it was relatively weak.
Then, on Monday, as Trump was taking the oath of office, more than 100 Proud Boys in uniform, led by the South Florida chapter, marched through the streets of Washington, D.C.
It was a remarkable scene — one that seemed intent on sending a clear message: “We’re back.”
As of January 6, 2021, DC has been designated by the far right as a no-go zone for Trump supporters of all stripes. But on Monday, the proud boys chanted “whose streets, our streets”. They received a hero’s welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen on video captured by freelance journalist Ford Fisher.
On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside the D.C. jail as an onslaught of bureaucracy delayed the Jan. 6 release of about 12 inmates. Among them were at least four uniformed pride boys. Although three of them had their faces covered, there seemed to be no concern about stigmatizing others. Oath Keeper founder Stuart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence was commuted by Trump for treason conspiracy, also appeared outside of prison — released the night before from a federal prison in Maryland.
One of the proud boys present at the impromptu demonstration outside the prison gave a speech and introduced himself as “Harry Fox”. (This was the same name that other proud sons had given to journalists on the inauguration day.)
“Donald Trump is back, my dear. He is back and stronger than ever. Referring to January 6, he added: “I am very proud of what the American citizens did that day to finally stand up after decades of persecution and oppression by an autocratic regime.”
He ended his speech with the slogan of proud boys: I am a Western chauvinist and I do not apologize for the creation of the modern world. The crowd cheered.
Tario, in a phone call with Jones on Tuesday, made it clear that he doesn’t see the Proud Boys’ role any different than it did four years ago — he sees them as foot soldiers and Republican muscle. “I think the future of the club will be what it has always been,” Tario said. “A bunch of men who love America, go around and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from assault… We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from attacks on their political beliefs.”
He stated that he felt vindicated by Trump’s election victory and the decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the January 6 riots. “We went through hell, and I’m telling you, it was worth it,” Tario told Jones. “What we stood for and those guys stood for is what we fought for, what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage … I can’t tell you it was easy. But I’ll tell you it was worth it.”
