BEACHWOOD, NJ – Residents in Ocean County have reported several sightings in recent weeks of Proud Boys recruitment stickers popping up. The right-wing organization’s presence in Ocean County has been visible for several years.
Last year, in Toms River, Proud Boys members were in full force at a fundraiser held for U.S. Congressional Candidate Mike Crispi. Since then, the group has been traying to recruit local members in the Ocean County area.
Founded in 2016, the Proud Boys organization has garnered attention for its involvement in various acts of violence and criminal activities.
The group was established by Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes. Initially presented as a men’s social club, the organization has attracted individuals who espouse far-right ideologies. Its members have often been seen at political rallies and protests, wearing their characteristic black and yellow polo shirts.
A pivotal moment came in 2017 during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where members of the Proud Boys joined other far-right groups. While the Proud Boys publicly disavowed the violence that erupted, leading to the death of Heather Heyer, the event marked a shift in public perception towards the group.
In terms of criminal convictions, several members have faced legal repercussions for violent behavior. One notable case was the 2018 New York City altercation outside the Metropolitan Republican Club, where two Proud Boys were convicted for attempted gang assault, attempted assault, and riot. Additionally, some members were charged in connection to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The group has been designated as a hate group by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center. Meanwhile, legal systems in the United States and Canada have scrutinized the group’s activities, sometimes labeling them as acts of domestic terrorism.
Through their actions and ideologies, the Proud Boys have sparked intense debate about the limits of free speech and the rise of far-right extremism in the United States. As criminal investigations and societal discussions continue, the group remains a focal point in the larger conversation about political violence and extremism.