Thread by @RightWingWatch

Wondering what to expect from Tuesday’s #J6hearing? Investigators will focus on extremist groups like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers and how they plotted to storm the U.S. Capitol. Here’s what you need to know: (1)

The Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and III Percenters acted as the foot soldiers in Trump’s effort to stay in power. (2) rightwingwatch.org/post/from-civi…

11 Oath Keepers and 5 Proud Boys have been charged with seditious conspiracy. 3 members of the Oath Keepers have pleaded guilty. (3)

RWW’s @k2doe reported on the Oath Keepers’ efforts to overthrow the 2020 election. Their preparation included paramilitary combat trainings, stockpiling weapons, and stationing a quick reaction force in Virginia to bring weapons to the Capitol. (4)

@k2doe These groups' calls for violence were widespread. (5)

https://twitter.com/RightWingWatch/status/1337847629494018053?s=20&t=8e9ZrCGcL9RCEtwI1nNf8g

@k2doe Both the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers joined the so-called “Stop the Steal” campaign, spreading false stolen-election claims. (6) rightwingwatch.org/post/ali-alexa…

@k2doe Ahead of Jan. 6, the Oath Keepers discussed plans to provide security for “Stop the Steal” activists Ali Alexander, Michael Flynn, Alex Jones, and Roger Stone. Trump confidant Roger Stone has connections to both the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. (7)
vice.com/en/article/7k9…

@k2doe The Proud Boys attended numerous so-called “Stop the Steal” rallies after which they engaged in violent fights with counterprotesters. In one instance, Proud Boys shoved a counterprotester to the ground and began kicking him. (8) rightwingwatch.org/post/violence-…

@k2doe On Jan. 4, Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio arrived in DC and was charged for burning a BLM flag the month before. Upon his arrest, he was found in possession of two high-capacity firearm magazines, a felony in DC. He said he was selling the weaponry. (9) rightwingwatch.org/post/proud-boy…

@k2doe Of interest to the committee is a Jan. 5 meeting between the leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers in a DC parking garage. The two groups—which had been at odds with each other—had formed “an alliance.” (10) axios.com/2021/03/24/pro…

@k2doe On Jan. 6, members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers stormed the U.S. Capitol. (11)

During the height of the violence, Oath Keepers members were concerned about the safety of Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, claiming he had “critical data to protect.” (12) texastribune.org/2022/04/19/oat…

The Proud Boys’ violence is part of a broader pattern, spawning from a lust for violence and an embrace of extremist right-wing politics, @jaredlholt reported in 2018. (13) rightwingwatch.org/post/proud-boy…

@jaredlholt The Proud Boys stepped into the limelight in September 2020 when Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.” (14) rightwingwatch.org/post/what-you-…