The Proud Boys Are Violent Extremists We Must Declare Terrorists

Daily Action
Written By Barbara Isaacman

QUICK READ: It is well past time to declare the Proud Boys a dangerous, fascist group of domestic terrorists who repudiate democracy and prepare for violent aggression.


CONTENTS:

BACKGROUND

“We’re usually a very happy bunch…hanging out, drinking with the boys.” 

--Enrique Tarrio, Proud Boys Chairperson

The Proud Boys are a white supremacist, fascist street gang that repudiates democracy and is violently aggressive. Members conspired to overturn our recent presidential election by attacking the Capitol on January 6, 2021. 

Tarrio’s encrypted chat was clear about this: “Make no mistake…We did this.”

Although New Zealand and Canada designate the group a terrorist entity, we’ve not yet even declared the Ku Klux Klan terrorists. Nevertheless, rightwing domestic terrorism is the number one “persistent…threat facing the homeland” for its lethality, size, and capacity to inspire lone and group actions. 

The Proud Boys have already designated themselves terrorists. It’s the “scarlet T” some inscribe on their ubiquitous Fred Perry polo shirts.

Initiation rites include a “ritualistic assault-by-punching” from at least five followers to “harden members for future fighting.” Advancement in rank requires the perpetration of public violence.

The Canadian-founded group is international, present in 40+ countries. More importantly, its use of social media and encrypted platforms function entirely outside of borders and nation states. 

Designating it a terrorist organization would enhance prosecution and complicate both its travel and fundraising.

It’s well past time to declare rightwing domestic terrorism dangerous and devote resources to combat and dismantle it.

ACTION One: Call the Senate.

Script for Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

*SEN. WYDEN:* Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

ACTION TWO: Call the House.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Val Hoyle (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

We must identify, declare dangerous, and earmark resources to combat and dismantle rightwing domestic terrorist threats, like the Proud Boys and likeminded Neo-Nazi extremists.

FURTHER READING

Barbara Isaacman
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