Indiana Proud Boys step up recruitment following debate remarks
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) — The Proud Boys appeared to be stepping up online recruitment efforts in Indiana following President Donald Trump’s refusal to condemn the extremist group linked to white nationalism and violence.
The self-described “western chauvinists” are classified as a hate group by civil rights organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Members often espouse Islamophobic, transphobic and misogynistic ideologies; some are known to associate with white supremacists despite vehemently denying racism, according to experts.
“The Proud Boys are almost like a Western fight club. They’re not your typical alt-right or white nationalist organization,” said David Goldenberg, the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest regional director.
During Tuesday night’s chaotic presidential debate, Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” when pressed to denounce white supremacists.
Top Republican leaders sought to distance themselves from the inflammatory remarks while the hate group celebrated the president’s response.
The emboldened Proud Boys immediately unveiled a new logo on social media featuring the phrase “Stand Back, Stand By.”
“We saw their logos, memes and gifs online that changed in a matter of minutes. We saw the Fort Wayne chapter in Indiana that created almost like a recruitment flyer,” Goldenberg told News 8.
The e-flyer shared on Telegram reads, “To join or contact the chapter, click here!”
Proud Boys leaders in Indiana did not immediately respond to requests for comment from News 8.
Experts feared President Donald Trump’s remarks would energize the Proud Boys — potentially inciting voter intimidation or violent clashes with left-wing protesters — and urged law enforcement agencies to monitor the group’s mobilization efforts as the Nov. 3 election drew closer.
The FBI “does not and will not police ideology,” an agency spokesperson said in an emailed statement to News 8.
The FBI focuses on people who engage in criminal behavior, not membership in particular groups, the agency said.
Fort Wayne authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment from News 8.
“The IMPD Criminal Intelligence Unit remains focused on monitoring national and local trends that may impact the safety of the people of Indianapolis. If a legitimate threat is identified, IMPD will take swift action and release any information critical to keeping community members safe. If residents experience acts of intimidation as they cast their votes in the upcoming election, they are encouraged to alert a poll worker at the vote center. As always, anyone who has an immediate fear for their safety should call 911.”
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department