Elizabeth Neumann Profile picture
Exploring intersection of security, faith, & politics. Author, Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace.

Sep 30, 2020, 6 tweets

Someone asked for info on Proud Boys...see link from ADL. Highlights: “unconventional strain of American right-wing extremism. While the group can be described as violent, nationalistic, Islamophobic, transphobic and misogynistic, ... /1 adl.org/resources/back…

...its members represent a range of ethnic backgrounds, & its leaders vehemently protest any allegations of racism. Their founder, McInnes, went so far as to file a defamation lawsuit against the Southern Poverty Law Center when they designated the Proud Boys a hate group. /2

...In McInnes’ own words, the Proud Boys are a “pro-western fraternity,” essentially a drinking club dedicated to male bonding, socializing and the celebration all things related to western culture. In reality, the Proud Boys bear many of the hallmarks of a gang... 3/

...and its members have taken part in multiple acts of brutal violence and intimidation....many members have criminal records for violent behavior and the organization actively pursues violence against their perceived enemies... 4/

“...After several years of forging alliances with members of the Republican political establishment, the Proud Boys have carved out a niche for themselves as both a right-wing fight club and a volunteer security force for the GOP.... 5/

..Despite assoc with mainstream politicians, Proud Boys’ actions & statements repeatedly land them in the company of white supremacists & right-wing extremists. Kessler, the primary organizer of the deadly 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, is a former Proud Boy.“ 6/6

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