November 4, 2024
As Election Day approaches, members of the Proud Boys, known for their involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach, are reportedly rallying to support Donald Trump’s campaign. Some members have been vocal on social media, sharing concerns about potential election issues and coordinating local efforts, according to a review by The Wall Street Journal of Proud Boys’ accounts on platforms like Telegram and Trump’s Truth Social.
These posts indicate that the Proud Boys are eager to make their voices heard, with several chapters gathering across state lines, discussing poll monitoring, and attending Trump rallies. Law enforcement is aware of the increased activity and is preparing for a range of potential security concerns, from foreign actors to domestic agitators and lone individuals.
After January 6, many Proud Boys leaders, including former national chairman Enrique Tarrio, were prosecuted. Tarrio is currently serving a 22-year sentence on charges related to the Capitol event, but despite setbacks, the group’s local chapters appear to be regrouping. Rather than operating with a central command, they are now focusing on local initiatives, coordinating through regional chapters.
Online Activity and Local Engagement
Some Proud Boys chapters have shared messages backing Trump and raising concerns about election integrity. A Texas chapter, for example, recently echoed concerns about ballot security, while other chapters shared their intent to monitor polling stations. In North Carolina, a chapter praised members for volunteering as poll workers in the primary elections as a “trial run” for November. An Ohio chapter advised followers to be prepared for potential protests, stating that antifa may respond if Trump wins.
A recent report by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism noted an increase in election-related rhetoric among far-right groups on Telegram. The report highlighted a 317% rise in posts regarding election integrity, some of which encouraged Americans to monitor voting closely. Social media platforms, such as Telegram, have responded by ramping up moderation efforts and stated they would cooperate with authorities in removing content that could incite violence.
Security Challenges and Preparedness
Federal and state officials are closely watching activity surrounding the election, especially following warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security in October about the potential for unrest by individuals or small groups motivated by election-related concerns.
Julie Farnam, a former U.S. Capitol Police assistant director for intelligence, noted the challenges in tracking the group’s newly decentralized structure. “They are more localized now, and that makes them harder to track, but we’re keeping a close watch,” she said.
Additionally, some Proud Boys members have cited Trump’s comments about considering pardons for January 6 defendants as part of their motivation. The idea of a pardon has resonated within the group, with members at recent Trump rallies displaying signs calling for “freeing the J6 prisoners.”
Local Operations and Support for Trump
With a decentralized approach, Proud Boys chapters across the country have embraced a local focus, maintaining independence while sharing common goals. The North Carolina chapter has noted that chapters are learning from one another and feeding insights back into the organization as a whole.
An Ohio chapter recently joined a demonstration, voicing concerns over local issues, and a Kentucky chapter used Trump’s past “stand back and stand by” message to signal their continued allegiance. The group’s accounts on Telegram and Truth Social have shown sustained interest in Trump’s campaign policies, particularly those involving election integrity and immigration reform.
Security Precautions and Election Day Vigilance
Federal authorities are preparing for potential disruptions as the nation heads to the polls. With posts about watching polling locations and supporting Trump’s platform surfacing, law enforcement agencies will be closely monitoring the situation on Election Day and as Congress certifies the results on January 6, 2025.
“We’re aware of the group’s support for Trump and their online discussions,” Farnam said. “It’s a situation we’ll be following carefully.”
As these groups continue their discussions, federal and local agencies remain vigilant, determined to maintain peace during this crucial period.
Sources:
- Wall Street Journal: “Proud Boys Mobilize Ahead of Election”
- Global Project Against Hate and Extremism: “Election-Related Rhetoric Surges”
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
