The Proud Boys
About
The Proud Boys is a North American far-right, neo-fascist militant organization that engages in political violence. Its leaders have faced convictions for violently opposing the U.S. federal government, particularly during events like the January 6 Capitol attack. The group is known for its opposition to left-wing and progressive movements and is openly supportive of former President Donald Trump. Although Proud Boys leadership denies being a white supremacist organization, the group has connections to white supremacist ideologies and events.
Founding
Founded in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, a co-founder of Vice Media, the Proud Boys emerged from the far-right Taki's Magazine and derived their name from a song called “Proud of your Boy” from Disney's Aladdin. While initially part of the alt-right movement, McInnes later distanced the Proud Boys from that label, positioning them as "alt-lite." Trump's remark during a 2020 presidential debate—"Proud Boys, stand back and stand by"—boosted the group's visibility and recruitment, although he later condemned them.
Proud Boys in Raleigh NC - Anthony Crider, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Ideology
The group promotes a belief that traditional masculinity and Western culture are under attack, often using "Western chauvinism" as a euphemism for conspiracy theories about white genocide. Members have participated in racist events and actions against leftist and socialist groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) describes the group as an "alt-right fight club" and a hate group, while the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) labels them as "extremist conservative" and "alt-lite," highlighting their Islamophobia, misogyny, and willingness to embrace various forms of bigotry.
Gavin McInnes on Steven Crowder -
StevenCrowder, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Connections with Roger Stone
Republican Dorchester Conference
In early 2018, Roger Stone sought the Proud Boys' assistance as security for his appearance at the Republican Dorchester Conference in Salem, Oregon, where he was photographed socializing with them. The Proud Boys later shared a video on Facebook that they described as Stone undergoing a "low-level initiation," where he declared himself a "Western chauvinist" and became a "first-degree" member, a title characterized by some as that of a sympathizer. Stone has denied being an actual member of the group.
Mueller Investigation
After Stone's arrest by the FBI in January 2019 in connection with the Mueller investigation, Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys' chairman, met him outside the courthouse wearing a "Roger Stone Did Nothing Wrong" shirt. Tarrio dismissed the charges against Stone as "trumped-up" and was later seen visiting him at home. A small group demonstrated in D.C. during Stone's arraignment, carrying signs supporting him and promoting the InfoWars conspiracy site.
Gavin McInnes - The Proud Boys Founder
Gavin McInnes stated that Stone was one of three approved media figures permitted to discuss the group. When asked about his alleged initiation, Stone dismissed the question and insulted the reporter. He has maintained a close relationship with Tarrio, who has monetized his position in the group.
Roger Stone & January 6
In February 2021, reports emerged that the FBI was investigating Stone’s potential influence on the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers regarding their roles in the Capitol attack. The United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack also uncovered connections between Stone and the Proud Boys.