Stephanie Warsmith|Akron Beacon Journal
The Proud Boys call themselves Western chauvinists.
They wear black and yellow Polo-style shirts that make them easy to spot.
And, increasingly, the group is being tied to demonstrations that have turned destructive and deadly, including the storming of the U.S. Capitol last week.
With President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration next week and threats made to target Washington D.C. and state capitals, many are concerned that the Proud Boys and other radical, right-leaning groups could wreak more havoc.
Youre seeing a lot of rhetoric revolution, attacks on statehouses, Bidens inauguration, said David Licate, a University of Akron criminal justice professor who once served on an FBI team that studied violent extremists. You have to take it seriously. They (Proud Boys) are becoming more violent.
Though the Proud Boys have been gaining national notoriety, they havent drawn as much attention in the Akron area.
I have heard of this group in a national context, said Lt. Michael Miller, an Akron police spokesman. I am not aware of any local activity or chatter.
But in the past two years, there have been signs of the groups presence locally and in Ohio:
Proud Boys sent a press release to the Canton Repository, another USA TODAY Network Ohio newspaper, last month promoting food and toy donations in Canton and Lorain around the holidays.
However, the Beacon Journal was unable to find anyone involved in the group locally to talk to for this story. No one responded to a request for comment made on the Proud Boys website or an email sent to the address on the poster hung in Wooster.
We dont talk to the media, said Dan Ciammaichella, who was identified as a media spokesman for the Akron-Canton Proud Boys in the release sent to the Repository. Thank you very much.
Proud Boys is a relatively new group, kicked off in 2016.
Gavin McGinnes, co-founder of Vice Media, started the group and called it a club for men. He espoused misogynistic and anti-Islamic views, as well as racist overtones.
He claimed they were not alt-right, not white nationalist but pro-west, like a fraternity, said Licate, a 20-year UA professor.
The groups tenets, according to its website, include: minimal government, maximum freedom, anti-political correctness, anti-drug war, closed borders, anti-racial guilt, anti-racism, pro-free speech, pro-gun rights, glorifying the entrepreneurand venerating the house wife.
To become a Proud Boy, a man must declare he is a Western chauvinist who refuses to apologize for creating a modern world, according to the website. Leaders of the group define this chauvinism as patriotism or extreme nationalism.
The groups name is a nod to a song in Disneys "Aladdin" called Proud of Your Boy.
I just made it up, McGinnes said in a video on the Proud Boys website.
McGinnes said the group has gained thousands of members all over the world, including in Africa, Japan and Australia.
New Proud Boys members must be beaten up by five men until they can name five breakfast cereals, quit porn and get a tattoo, McGinnis said.
McGinnis recalled a timewhen he went to New York University to give a talk and the group's members clashed with protesters.
We beat the crap out of them, McGinnis said in the video, drawing cheers and applause from the audience.
McGinnis has now stepped away from the group and Enrique Tarrio, who is originally from Cuba, is the new leader.
Licate said the group has gotten more violent and well-armed.
New members are now asked to beat up someone they thinkis liberal or left-leaning, Licate said.
They went from a pseudo-fraternity that gets it name from an Aladdins song and has to recite cereals to becoming increasingly militant, Licate said.
Some Proud Boys members werent happy with the groups alt-light characterization and started the Fraternal Order of Alt Knights (FOAK), who are considered the groups bodyguards or strike force, Licate said.
Tarrio, the new Proud Boys leader, was arrested for burning a Black Lives Matter banner taken from a historic Black church in a December demonstration in Washington, D.C. to protest Trumps election defeat. Tarrio also faces weapons charges and wasbanned from being in the Capitol, besides going to court.
Licatesaid he would characterize Proud Boys as a hate group. He said hes not sure if they meet the definition of domestic terrorists, which refers to a group that has engaged in violence for a political or social end.
Licate said Proud Boys were at the Jan. 6 protest outside of the Capitol, but he isnt sure if they were among those who breached the building.
Proud Boys, Three Percenters and Oath Keepers were among the right-wing extremist groups captured in photos and videos at the Capitol insurrection. Five people were killed, including a police officer.
Licate said Three Percenters and Oath Keepers both have an ex-military/law enforcement base and the Oath Keepers are staunch constitutionalists. He said Proud Boys lean heavier on misogyny and racism than these other groups.
They are all anti-left and hard-core conservative, Licate said.
Closer to home, Licate said hes aware the Proud Boys have chapters in Columbus and the Akron area but hasnt heard much about their activities.
They havent really made themselves known, beyond an online presence, he said.
The Akron-Canton Proud Boys had an open-carry display on the Kent State campus in September 2019 as a counter to a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Beto ORourke. ORourke had proposed a mandatory gun buyback program during a presidential debate.
The Proud Boys display featured an array of rifles and smaller firearms, secured with metal rope and padlocks. A sign on the front asked onlookers, Which one of these should be banned?
Were out here, pretty much, just to spark conversation with people, Ron Jones, a Proud Boys member, told the Record-Courier. Were hoping people from their side will come up and talk with us a little bit and maybe bridge the gap a little bit.
The event was largely peaceful, though a Kent student was arrested for throwing a milkshake on Proud Boys members.
In early November, a Proud Boys flier was hung in the front of the Spoon Market & Deli in downtown Wooster, angering the owners of the business.
The flier said, The lies of the left are meant to dissuade, distract and demoralize, and called Proud Boys the most lied about, slandered and targeted group. Why? it asked and included a website and email addressfor the group.
Patrice Smith, co-owner of the deli, posted the flier on her Facebook page, seeking information on the cowardly person or people who posted it. Her post drew both backlash and support.
We will not compromise our integrity, ethics and responsibility, Smith wrote.
The Akron-Canton Proud Boys, in an emailed statementto the Daily-Record newspaper, said its members distributed fliers in the Wooster area Oct. 30.
"Proud Boys wanted to send a message to the voters in America that we are EVERYWHERE, so they can feel safe casting their votes through November 3rd," said the statement, signed by the group.
Flyers also were posted in Amherst Plaza in Massillon.
More: Proud Boys, counter-protesters clash
In mid-December, a 43-year-old Akron man was among 39 people arrested after a group of Proud Boys protesting Trumps election defeat clashed with anti-Trump counter-protesters in Washington D.C.
Four people were stabbed, while others were beaten and pepper-sprayed and several churches were vandalized.
These Proud Boys are avowed white nationalists and have been called to stand up against a fair and legal election, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, told the Washington Post.
The Akron man is accused of being part of a large group spotted by an officer chasing down another man, knocking him to the ground and beating him with what appeared to be long, thin batons. The officer saw the Akron man take a running start and kick the other man in the head several times while he was on the ground, according to court records.
The man who was beaten fled and didnt return to the scene.
The Akron man wore black para-military style clothing, including a helmet, vest, backpack and gloves, as well as a yellow scarf. He also had a black plastic and rubber baton that was about 4 feet long, according to court records.
Police charged the Akron man with rioting, attempted possession of a criminal weapon and assault, all misdemeanors. He pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court and was released until his next court appearance.
Neither the Akron man nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
Law enforcement in the Capitol and across the country are worried that the type of violence seen in D.C. in December or at the Capitol could be repeated or escalated before and on inauguration day.
Licate said law enforcement must prepare for the worst, while weighing the right to protest with the need to protect safety and prevent destruction.
Were stuck in a holding pattern, Licatesaid. When people take the jump from word to deed, thats when law enforcement can get involved.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.
View post:
- Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams Are Proud Parents of 2 Boys Discover Their Family - AmoMama [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield Wins Two National Awards, Totaling Seven National Awards in Six Years - HamletHub [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Self Care Revolution, Mayor Asks Advisory Board Member to Resign, Nebraska Files Lawsuit Against Stem Cell Clinics and more Top Local News for Friday,... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- From Portland to Palestine to the Southern Cone: The Reappearance of the Disappeared - Palestine Chronicle [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- 'They're really good men': Victoria Beckham is proud of her sons - FOX 11 and FOX 41 [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Simply Healthcare Foundation Directs More Than $125000 to Support Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Florida during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Business... [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Workplace Inclusion Study Highlights Need for Change - Oregon Business [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Extremist Proud Boys have been trying to ally themselves with Philadelphia police and showed up at a local FOP event: report - AlterNet [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- 'The Largest Terror Threat Facing the US' - KNPR [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Michale Graves says he is a "proud western chauvinist" and a "proud boy" - Punknews.org [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Lauren Boebert Proud Boys and QAnon Report and If It Matters - Westword [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Proud Boys, Women for Trump march to Oregon governor's mansion in Salem - Statesman Journal [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2020]
- Letters to the Editor | Opinion | westvalleyview.com - westvalleyview.com [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2020]
- Pro-Gun Lobbyist: If the Proud Boys show up there's nothing we can do about it - WAVY.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Pro-gun lobbyist: If the Proud Boys show up on Lobby Day, theres nothing we can do about it - WAVY.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Proud Boys - Anti-Defamation League [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Who Are the Proud Boys Trump Told To 'Stand Back and Stand ... [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Proud Boys: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Who are the Proud Boys? A look into the group and its leaders [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2021]
- Researchers: More Than a Dozen Extremist Groups Took Part in Capitol Riots - Voice of America [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Proud Boys Supporter With 1,000 Rifle Rounds Made Threats, U.S. Says - The New York Times [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- A political brawl at the Capitol with weapons - Times Union [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Proud Boys supporter who U.S. says had ammunition cache and made threats pleads not guilty - Reuters [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Sacramento GOP call for resignation of member with ties to Proud Boys - ABC10.com KXTV [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Two Proud Boys face conspiracy charges over the US Capitol riot - Vox.com [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- One Of The Proud Boys Who Stormed The Capitol Had Instructions For Making Guns And Bombs In His Home, FBI Says - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Self -proclaimed Proud Boy member one of 21 Texans facing charges in connection with Capitol riot - San Antonio Express-News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- 'Proud Boy' with local ties charged in storming of US Capitol - The Cross Timbers Gazette [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Our President Wants Us Here: The Mob That Stormed the Capitol - The New York Times [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Two members of the Proud Boys face conspiracy charges in US Capitol riot - CNN [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Self-proclaimed Proud Boy from North Texas is latest to be arrested in storming of Capitol - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Who Are the Proud Boys? Canada Names Far-Right Group a Terrorist Organization - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Explained: Who are the Proud Boys, far-right group declared a terrorist entity in Canada? - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Designating the Proud Boys a terrorist organization won't stop hate-fuelled violence - The Conversation CA [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Canada designates the Proud Boys as a terrorist entity - PBS NewsHour [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- Judge halts Proud Boy's release in Capitol breach case - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2021]
- A woman who was charged in connection with the Capitol riot bragged about being recruited by the Proud Boys - Business Insider [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- COMMENTARY: Designating the Proud Boys as terrorists wont stop the violence - Global News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Federal prosecutors investigated Proud Boys ties to Roger Stone in 2019 case: CNN | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Biden: Proud Boys one of the greatest threats to America - WISN Milwaukee [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Proud Boys terrorist group designation may deter new recruits and fundraising - The Conversation CA [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2021]
- Proud Boys calling Rep. Bennie Thompsons phone over Capitol riot lawsuit - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2021]
- Gottheimer Announces New Steps to Combat Violent Extremist Groups, Calls for Proud Boys & Other International Extremist Groups to be Officially... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2021]
- Every Proud Boys Leader Arrested Over Capitol Riot So Far - Newsweek [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- D.C. Judge orders East Naples man with Proud Boys ties to remain jailed through trial - Naples Daily News [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Pro-Trump group and Proud Boys gather in downtown Raleigh - CBS17.com [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys among several groups to lead rally in downtown Raleigh - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys | Southern Poverty Law Center [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys Leaders in Four States Are Charged in Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys Members Allegedly Warned That Cops Were The Primary Threat The Night Before The Capitol Insurrection - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Leader of Proud Boys' Philly chapter among those charged with conspiring to plot Capitol riot - PhillyVoice.com [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- U.S. charges Proud Boys with conspiracy in Capitol assault that turned deadly - Reuters [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Briefly Noted: Overland Park residents considered calling on Proud Boys for Black Lives Matter protest last year - Shawnee Mission Post [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Small-Town Sandy Hosts a Public Standoff Over LGBTQ Rightsand the Proud Boys Resurface - Willamette Week [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Canadian government designates Proud Boys as terrorist ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- 4 Proud Boys Charged With Conspiracy Over Jan. 6 Capitol Riot - NPR [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- 4 Proud Boys conspired in deadly Capitol riot, new ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Indictment Details Proud Boys' Group Chat Before Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Four Proud Boys leaders charged in relation to Capitol ... [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2021]
- Auburn-area Proud Boy arraigned in federal court for Capitol riot charges - KUOW News and Information [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- What to watch for in the Democratic primary between Philly DA Larry Krasner and Carlos Vega - The Philadelphia Inquirer [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Commentary: As the Palestinian minority takes to the streets, Israel is having its own Black Lives Matter moment - pressherald.com [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Here's what a sprawling investigation has found about the Capitol riot arrests - Anchorage Daily News [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Erin Weir: The NDP were wrong to call for the Proud Boys to be labelled as terrorists - Saskatoon StarPhoenix [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- He led the Proud Boys in the Capitol riot, shaming his town - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2021]
- Charges from US Capitol insurrection roil Proud Boys and Oath Keepers - WRBL [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, Forceful on Jan. 6, Privately Are in Turmoil - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2021]
- What we know about NFAC, the extremist group linked to accused cop-shooter Othal Wallace? - Daytona Beach News-Journal [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- 2 more extreme right-wing groups join Proud Boys on Canada's terror list Peace Arch News - Peace Arch News [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Suspect in bear spray attack linked to Proud Boys incident - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Six Proud Boys involved in Capitol riot may have plea deals in the works: report | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Proud Boys Ordered to Remain in Detention Over Jan. 6 Charges - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Oregon LGBTQ groups fear Proud Boys will return to Sandy - Pamplin Media Group [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- They joined the Wisconsin Proud Boys looking for brotherhood. They found racism, bullying and antisemitism. - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2021]
- Pezzola's attorneys argue Proud Boy should have access to laptop and be released pending trial - Democrat & Chronicle [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Kernersville Proud Boy arrested in Capitol riot will appear in court - WGHP FOX 8 Greensboro [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- This Texas Democrat Doesn't Want Proud Boys Standing Over His Grandmother as She Votes - The Nation [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys representative says group plans to withdraw sponsorship of September event in Scotland, South Dakota - KELOLAND.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- Proud Boys withdraw from sponsoring dance in Scotland, SD - Associated Press [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2021]
- WMNF says it fired host Rob Lorei over email containing ethnic slur - Tampa Bay Times [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2021]