Police arrest Proud Boys leader over BLM flag burning
January 5, 2021
The leader of the US far-right Proud Boys group was arrested Monday in Washington, police said in a statement.
Officers charged 36-year-old Enrique Tarrio with destruction of property at the Asbury United Methodist Church, a largely African-American church in Washington, DC.
Tarrio and others allegedly stole and burned a Black Lives Matter banner from the church during violent protests on December 12.
The group leader was hit with additional charges of possessing two illegal high-capacity firearm magazines at the time of his arrest, police said.
He was arrested when he entered the District of Columbia, which houses the US capital.
Who are the Proud Boys?
The all-male organization describes itself as a haven for "Western chauvinists."
It has touted anti-Muslim, anti-transgender, anti-immigration and anti-Semitic views, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
The group became a household name when President Donald Trump mentioned them during a pre-election debate with President-elect Joe Biden in November. At the time, Trump said: "Proud Boys – stand back and stand by."
Arrest days ahead of pro-Trump rally
The arrest comes as members of the Proud Boys are set to join other supporters of Trump on Wednesday for a mass rally.
The demonstration is timed to coincide with a Congress meeting that will certify the results of the US presidential election in November.
Demonstrators plan to show support for Trump's unfounded claim that he won the November 3 presidential election, rather than Joe Biden.
Washington police said Monday they were worried about potential violence, particularly from groups like the Proud Boys during the rally.
They warned that people carrying firearms would be arrested.
kmm/shs (AFP, dpa)