The Proud Boys, a far-right, neo-fascist extremist group was declared a terrorist organization by the Canadian government on February 3rd. Spreading throughout the US and Canada, this group is widely recognized for their political violence and their white nationalism. 

The Proud Boys was founded in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, a Canadian writer popularly known for co-founding Vice, and actually quit the Proud Boys group in 2018. This group is currently being led by Enrique Tarrio, who was arrested in order to try and prevent the storming of the US Capitol and was charged for burning a stolen Black Lives Matter flag. 

“Understandably, the storming of the US Capitol contributed greatly to the decision. I think that following the very public actions of violence and slander that was displayed at the Capitol, I do personally consider them to be a part of a terrorist group and believe that was the right choice,” said Ria Wadmark (‘22). 

The order was announced by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair last Wednesday when she argued that “Their violent actions and rhetoric are fueled by white supremacy, anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and misogyny.” Blair expressed her concern claiming that the group is a significant threat to domestic security and that politics played no role in the decision-making. 

“The declaration was presumably shocking to me, but not unexpected. They possess many components of what makes a terrorist organization, like a “superior-race-only” acceptance, and have continuously searched for political violence, so I definitely think the title they have been given by Canada is accurate and brings more awareness of their actions.” said Wadmark.

Now, what does the label really do? By declaring the Proud Boys as one of the now 13 terrorist organizations, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda, they can now face financial and legal consequences. They can be denied entry into Canada, face terrorism charges if found engaging in violent acts, have their assets and property seized, and anyone sending money or helping to support the organization could be arrested. 

“I think that Canada’s decision to do this is going to go a long way, considering that they are the first. I hope that the US follows behind shortly and action is taken in multiple other countries so that things don’t get worse,” said James Weaver (‘22).