Although they mobilized a few times to support Trump before the 2024 election, it was, in general, fair. no funespecially compared to 2020. This prompts speculation that the gang is on its last legs.

Then, on Monday, as Trump took the oath of office, more than 100 uniformed Proud Boys marched through the streets of Washington, DC, led by their south Florida chapter.

It was a remarkable sight—one that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We’re back.”

As of January 6, 2021, DC is considered by the far right to be a no-go zone for Trump supporters of all stripes. But on Monday the Proud Boys sang “Whose streets—our streets.” They received a hero’s welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen in video recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fischer.

On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafus delayed the release of about a dozen January 6-ers from a DC jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four uniformed Proud Boys. Although the three of them had their faces covered, they looked around with seemingly no concern about the stigma from others present. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared out of jail—having walked free from a federal prison in Maryland last night.

One of the Proud Boys present addressed the impromptu rally outside the prison, introducing himself as “Harry Fox.” (This is the same name the other Proud Boys gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)

“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever,” he said into the microphone. “I’m so proud of what the American people did that day,” he added, referring to the January 6, “for finally standing up after decades of being abused and oppressed by an authoritarian regime.”

He ended his speech with the Proud Boys slogan: “I am a Western chauvinist, and I will not apologize for creating the modern world.” People are cheering.

Tarrio, in his phone call with Jones on Tuesday, made it clear that he views the Proud Boys’ role no different than it did four years ago—he sees them as foot soldiers and the muscle of the GOP. “I think the future of the club is always,” Tarrio said. “A group of guys who love America, hang out and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from attack… We’re going to protect ourselves and Trump supporters from attack because of their political views.”

He suggested that he felt vindicated by Trump’s election victory and decision to pardon almost everyone involved in the riots on January 6. “We went through hell, and I tell you: It was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stand for and what those people stand for is what we are fighting for, that is what we saw yesterday at the inauguration stage… I cannot tell you that it will be easy. But let me tell you it’s worth it. “