Proud Boys
The Proud Boys are a right-wing extremist group with a violent agenda. Founded by Gavin McInnes in 2016, the Proud Boys have chapters in most U.S. states and several international locations. The group frequently participates in right-wing events to provide "security" and often clashes violently with counter-protesters. Their ideology is primarily misogynistic, Islamophobic, transphobic and anti-immigrant. Some members espouse white supremacist and antisemitic ideologies and/or engage with white supremacist groups. Members of the Proud Boys account for one of the highest number of extremist arrestees in relation to the January 6 Capitol insurrection. In 2021, Proud Boys latched onto anti-mask and anti-vaccine activism, showing up at school board meetings as well as related protests and rallies.