As fractures emerge among Proud Boys, experts warn of a shift toward violence
Experts who study far-right organizations warn that as members distance themselves from the group, the Proud Boys could metastasize into an increasingly violent organization led by those who have long jockeyed for control.
Cassie Miller, a senior research analyst with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project, said the political terrain is shifting in a way that could be friendlier to the organization’s more extreme faction.
“One thing that was made apparent by the insurrection is there is this growing anti-democratic far-right bloc that is willing to use violence and force to push their views,” she said. “We’re seeing a shift back to what the Proud Boys have been practicing for a long time.”…
As fractures emerge among Proud Boys, experts warn of a shift toward extremist violence
Marissa J. Lang, The Washington Post
Feb. 26, 2021
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Proud Boys rally in support of President Donald Trump in Washington on Dec. 12, 2020.photo for The Washington Post by Evelyn Hockstein.
WASHINGTON - As members of the Proud Boys arrived at the foot of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, they gathered as a unified front, donning bright orange beanies and tactical gear and carrying flags and megaphones used to lead chants that rippled through the roiling crowd.
Members of the all-male far-right group, which has a history of violence, posed for photos, displaying the OK hand gesture, which has become a white power sign, and moved through the crowd together.
As fractures emerge among Proud Boys, experts warn of a shift toward extremist violence adn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from adn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The number of hate and extremist groups declined last year, but that doesn’t mean the threat from these groups is diminishing. The Southern Poverty Law
U.S.|Lone Wolves Connected Online: A History of Modern White Supremacy
In 1981, Louis Beam, then Grand Dragon of the Texas chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, inspecting armed members of the group’s security force.Credit.Ed Kolenovsky/Associated Press
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Lone Wolves Connected Online: A History of Modern White Supremacy
Forty years ago, Louis Beam had the idea of using the internet to drive a movement. Today, his vision is disturbingly prevalent.
In 1981, Louis Beam, then Grand Dragon of the Texas chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, inspecting armed members of the group’s security force.Credit.Ed Kolenovsky/Associated Press