The Daily The Proud Boys’ Path to Jan. 6
Jun 9, 2022
Alan Feuer, a courts and criminal justice reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on the Proud Boys' tumultuous journey from a drinking club to a militant faction. He discusses how the group capitalized on political tensions during the Trump era, interpreting his words as a call to action. The conversation delves into their violent confrontations leading up to January 6 and their legal fallout. Feuer also examines the implications of their evolving tactics as they move towards greater political engagement, raising concerns about the future of far-right extremism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Proud Boys Origins
- Gavin McInnes, Vice co-founder, started the Proud Boys as a drinking club.
- Initially, it was meant for men who felt alienated by liberal culture.
Proud Boys and Trump
- The Proud Boys' rise coincided with Trump's campaign, tapping into male grievance.
- McInnes's "Western chauvinist" slogan attracted a following.
From Security to Violence
- The Proud Boys acted as security for right-wing figures like Milo Yiannopoulos.
- This led to street vigilantism and violence.