In Colorado, the Proud Boys, a white nationalist group, have been visible and active since Trump ran for president. Four national leaders of the Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy yesterday, but a former Colorado Proud Boy calls the verdict “political theater.”
“It’s all political theater. Enrique wasn’t even at the Capitol,” Louie Huey, a former leader of the Colorado Proud Boys, told the Colorado Times Recorder on Friday, referring to national Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. “They didn’t hurt anyone. It’s a travesty that murderers and rapists are allowed out of jail, but personal friends I’ve known for years who protested peacefully are rotting in a prison cell for political reasons and feelings.”
Here’s a sample of the Colorado Times Recorder’s coverage of the Proud Boys in Colorado since 2018.
Trump Campaign Included Proud Boys in Political Ad Released After CO Springs Rally. The ad emerged after Trump addressed the Proud Boys directly, telling the white nationalist group during the debate to “Stand back and stand by.” September 30, 2020.
Boebert Appears to Embrace Aide Who Left Her Campaign After Thanking God for Proud Boys. Right-wing activist Sherronna Bishop was U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s (R-CO) campaign manager when she ousted then-Congressman Scott Tipton in Colorado’s Republican primary. February 25, 2021.
Proud Boys, Anti-Vaxxers and Conspiracy Theorists Among “ReOpen Colorado” Protesters. Several hundred protesters attended the “ReOpen Colorado” rally at the Colorado Capitol Sunday. They demanded an end to the state’s shelter-in-place and non-essential business closure public health orders. Most people waved signs on the lawn outside the west steps, while others circled the block in their cars, honking horns in support. April 19, 2020
Politicians, Proud Boys & the President: Trump & Gardner Rally in Colorado Springs. Even before the president took the stage, the noise level inside Colorado Springs’ Broadmoor Arena was deafening. When he finally emerged, clapping slowly as he walked out from behind the blue stage draping, the roar was deafening. February 21, 2020.
More Colo Republicans Entwined With ‘Proud Boys’ Hate Group & Slurs. White supremacist and other hate groups are on the rise in Colorado. An investigation by 9News’ Jeremy Jojola documents the recent increase of hate-related incidents in the state. It included an interview with a local member of the Proud Boys, which has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, largely due to its anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments. November 27, 2019
Proud Boys ‘Hate Group’ Joins Thousands at Trump Rally in Colo Springs. The Proud Boys, which has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SLPC), continued its string of appearances at Republican events in Colorado today by joining thousands of Trump backers at a rally in Colorado Springs. February 20, 2020.
Statehouse Candidate Grady Nouis Promotes And Attends Racist Hate Group Rallies. Since declaring his candidacy for the Colorado statehouse in December of 2016, Westminster Republican Grady Nouis has promoted and participated in several far-right rallies organized by hate and extremist groups. Furthermore, he’s documented his participation in numerous videos, including one where he shouts the n-word during an argument with African-American couple in Denver’s Civic Center Park. September 25, 2018
Far-Right Rally At Capitol Features Hate Group, Colorado Republicans, and Stapleton Super PAC. Dozens of far-right conservatives and hate group members held a rally on the west steps of the Capitol Saturday afternoon to protest what they perceive to be censorship by Facebook. Walker Stapleton’s Super PAC was there to recruit staff. September 18, 2018.
UPDATE 5/5/2023 with a comment from Huey.
