The Proud Boys are planning a comeback. And they want revenge

Although in some cases they mobilized support for Trump ahead of the 2024 election, overall it was fairly fair. FadedEspecially compared to 2020. This sparked speculation that the gang was on its last legs.

Then, on Monday, as Trump was sworn in, more than 100 uniformed Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington, D.C., led by their South Florida chapter.

It was an eye-catching scene that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We are back.”

Since January 6, 2021, the far right has viewed the capital 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 in the photo video Recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fisher.

On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafu delayed the release of about a dozen Jan. 6 inmates from the capital’s jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four Proud Boys in uniform. Even though the faces of the three of them were covered, they were walking around without any worry about the stigma from the others present. Oath Keeper founder Stuart Rhodes, whose 18-year prison sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside prison — having broken out of a federal prison in Maryland the night before.

One of the Proud Boys present spoke at the impromptu rally outside the prison, introducing himself as “Harry Fox.” (This was the same name the other Proud Boys gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)

“Donald Trump is back, baby. “He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever.” “I am very proud of what American citizens did that day, to finally stand up after decades of abuse and oppression by an authoritarian regime,” he added, referring to January 6.

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 his phone call with Jones on Tuesday, Tarrio made clear that he views the role of the Proud Boys as no different than it did four years ago — he sees them as foot soldiers and muscle of the Republican Party. “I think the future of the club will be the same as it has always been,” Tarrio said. “A group of guys who love America, walking around, drinking beer, protecting Trump supporters from being assaulted… We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from being assaulted because of their political views.”

He noted that he feels vindicated by Trump’s election victory and his decision to pardon nearly all participants in the January 6 riot. “We went through hell, and I’ll tell you: it was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stood for and what these men stood for is what we were fighting for, and it’s what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage… I can’t tell you it was easy. But I will tell you it was worth it.”