Although they were mobilized in some cases to support Trump before the 2024 election, it was, overall, quite lackluster, especially compared to 2020. This led to speculation that the gang was on its last legs. Then, on Friday, as Trump took the oath of office, more than 100 Proud Boys in uniform marched through the streets of Washington, DC, led by the south Florida chapter. a scene that seemed to send a clear message: “We’re back.” As of 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 streets – our streets.” He received a hero’s welcome by other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen in a video recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fischer. On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafus delayed the release of approximately twelve January 6-ers from DC jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four boys proudly in uniform. Although the three of them had covered their faces, they were not worried about the stigma from others. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside jail—having walked free from a federal prison in Maryland the night before. from jail, identifying himself as “Harry Fox.” (It’s the same name the other Proud kids gave to reporters on Inauguration Day.) “Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever,” he said over the microphone. “I am very proud of what the American people did that day,” he said, referring to January 6, “for standing up after decades of being abused and oppressed by an authoritarian regime.” He ended his speech with the Proud Boys. slogan: “I am a Western chauvinist, and I do not apologize for creating a modern world.” The crowd cheered. Tarrio, in a phone call to Jones on Tuesday, explained that he sees the Boys Proud role as no different than it was four years ago—he sees him as a foot and muscle warrior. in the GOP. “I think the future of the club will be as usual,” Tarrio said. “A group of people who love America, march and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from being attacked … We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from being attacked for their political views.” the decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the January 6 riots. “We went through hell, and I’ll tell you: It’s worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we did and what they did is what we fought for, what we saw yesterday at the inauguration stage… I can’t say it’s easy. But I tell you it’s worth it.
