The Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group aligned with former President Donald Trump, remain active in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, despite several members, including leader Enrique Tarrio, being convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack. The group, often described as “Trump’s army,” has vowed to monitor polling stations, as Trump amplifies claims of widespread voter fraud, echoing his previous rhetoric that stirred action from far-right factions.
Proud Boys Continue to Mobilize for Election Day
Though the Proud Boys faced significant legal consequences for their involvement in the Capitol riot, the group’s activities have persisted. According to recent reports, several chapters of the group have been mobilizing in support of Trump ahead of Election Day. Since October, at least 30 Proud Boys Telegram channels have posted pro-Trump content. The Columbus, Ohio chapter, for example, has claimed that its members are acting as poll watchers and poll workers, stressing the importance of the task by stating, “the task is simply too important to trust to regular normies.”
Other Proud Boys chapters have declared their readiness to “watch polls everywhere,” and some members have posted content hinting at violent intentions, such as a picture of a masked, armed individual with the phrase, “FREE MEN DO NOT OBEY PUBLIC SERVANTS.”
A History of Violence and Extremist Rhetoric
The Proud Boys, founded in 2016, first gained national attention for their violent clashes during protests and their vocal support of Trump. The group describes itself as “Western chauvinists” but has been associated with far-right extremist ideologies, including anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-“woke” rhetoric. Its members have also promoted conspiracy theories, particularly regarding election fraud.
The Proud Boys became infamous after Trump’s 2020 debate remark, where he told them to “stand back and stand by,” a call that was interpreted as an endorsement of their militant actions. Some of the group’s leaders, including Tarrio, were later convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the Capitol insurrection and are serving lengthy prison sentences.
Current Role and Growing Influence
Despite these legal setbacks, the Proud Boys’ influence has not waned. Their members continue to attend Trump rallies and remain involved in election-related activities. At a recent rally, Proud Boys members were seen in a designated section, dressed in their signature gold-collared black polos.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Proud Boys are positioning themselves as key players in the election discourse, particularly in the context of Trump’s ongoing claims of election rigging. While their messages have not directly called for interference, the group’s preparedness to act and their embrace of Trump’s narrative around voter fraud has raised concerns about the potential for increased political violence and intimidation on Election Day.
Trump’s Rhetoric and Far-Right Alignment
Trump has long employed inflammatory rhetoric, and in recent weeks, he has continued to suggest that he can only lose due to “massive voter fraud.” His statements have fueled the actions of extremist groups like the Proud Boys, who are positioning themselves as defenders of the Trump cause. Trump’s history of encouraging violence and confrontation, including comments about the potential for violence against political opponents and the media, has contributed to the growing activity of far-right organizations in the lead-up to the election.
As the election nears, it remains to be seen how the Proud Boys and other far-right groups will continue to mobilize, and whether they will play a more prominent role in shaping the outcome or threatening the integrity of the electoral process.
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