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.

38:25

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Episode guests

Alan Feuer

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Episode notes

Intro

6min

The Rise of the Proud Boys

14min

The Echo of a President's Words: Proud Boys' Response

2min

Proud Boys: From Violence to Political Engagement

15min

Anticipation of the January 6th Hearings and Modern Commerce

2min

Emotional Testimonies for Gun Control

4min

This episode contains strong language.

After a nearly yearlong investigation, the congressional committee examining the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol will begin holding televised hearings on Thursday.

One focus of the hearings will be the Proud Boys. The trajectory of that group, which grew out of a drinking club in New York City for men who felt put upon by liberal culture, has now led to charges of trying to overthrow the United States government.

Guest: Alan Feuer, a reporter covering courts and criminal justice for The New York Times.

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Background reading:

A federal indictment has charged five members of the Proud Boys, including Enrique Tarrio, its former leader, with seditious conspiracy.
How Gavin McInnes, the Proud Boys founder, went from Brooklyn hipster to far-right provocateur.

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