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While the Proud Boys insist that they only act in self-defense, several incidents ­-including one in which two members of the group were convicted of attempted gang assault, attempted assault and riot- belie their self-professed peaceful nature. In reality, the Proud Boys bear many of the hallmarks of a gang, and its members have taken part in multiple acts of brutal violence and intimidation. 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. Their founder, Gavin McInnes, went so far as to file a defamation lawsuit against the Southern Poverty Law Center when the SPLC designated the Proud Boys a hate group.

While the group can be described as violent, nationalistic, Islamophobic, transphobic and misogynistic, its members represent a range of ethnic backgrounds, and its leaders vehemently protest any allegations of racism. The Proud Boys represent an unconventional strain of American right-wing extremism.

In 2021, Proud Boys latched on to anti-mask and anti-vaccine activism, showing up at school board meetings as well as related protests and rallies. Recent Activity: Proud Boys members accounted for one of the highest number of extremist arrestees in relation to the Jan 6 insurrection.Members have been known to engage in violent tactics several members have been convicted of violent crimes. Membership: Controlled by local chapter leadership and subject to initiation rituals.Global footprint: Proud Boys have international chapters in Canada, Britain, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Australia and the Philippines.Notable characteristics: Members frequently wear black and yellow Fred Perry polo shirts, other black and yellow clothing and tactical vests.Membership: There are 119 active Proud Boys chapters across 46 states recognized by the national Proud Boys organization.Some members espouse white supremacist and antisemitic ideologies and/or engage with white supremacist groups. They are primarily misogynistic, Islamophobic, transphobic and anti-immigration. Ideology: The Proud Boys are a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda.