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

Although they mobilized in some cases in support of Trump in the run-up to the 2024 election, overall the action was fair lacklusterespecially compared to 2020. This led to speculation that the gang was on its last legs.

Then on Monday, as Trump took the oath of office, more than 100 uniformed Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington, D.C., led by their south Florida chapter.

It was a powerful scene – one that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We’re back.”

Since January 6, 2021, DC has been perceived by the extreme 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 fellow Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen on video Recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fischer.

On Tuesday, as bureaucratic blunders delayed the release of about a dozen January 6 supporters from prison in Washington, D.C., protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four uniformed Proud Boys. Although three of them had their faces covered, they walked around without caring about the stigmatization of others present. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside of prison – having been released from a federal prison in Maryland the night before.

One of the Proud Boys in attendance spoke at the impromptu rally outside the prison and identified himself as “Harry Fox.” (This was the same name other Proud Boys had given reporters on Inauguration Day.)

“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back and stronger than ever,” he said over the microphone. “I am so proud of what the American people did that day,” he added, referring to January 6, “finally standing 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 will not apologize for creating the modern world.” The crowd cheered.

Tarrio made it clear in his phone call with Jones on Tuesday that he views the Proud Boys’ role no differently than he did four years ago – he sees them as foot soldiers and the muscle of the Republican Party. “I think the future of the club will be as it has always been,” Tarrio said. “A group of men who love America, move around and drink beer and protect Trump supporters from attack… We will protect ourselves and Trump supporters from being attacked because of their political views.”

He indicated that he felt vindicated by Trump’s victory and the decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the Jan. 6 riots. “We went through hell and I’m telling you, it was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stood for and what these guys stood for is what we fought for, we saw that on the inauguration stage yesterday… I can’t tell you it was easy. But I’m telling you, it was worth it.”