Members of the far-right group the Proud Boys will attend Washington, D.C., rallies for President Trump on Jan. 6 “incognito,” with leaders of the group saying they will dress in “all BLACK” to mimic the attire of anti-fascist groups and counterprotesters.
The group is known for its signature black and yellow clothing during rallies and protests, where they typically appear in large groups.
The group’s chairman, Enrique Tarrio, announced on social media that group members “might dress in all BLACK for the occasion.”
Additionally, members of the group will likely branch off into smaller formations to remain “incognito.”
Thousands of people are expected to gather in the District on Wednesday for at least four planned pro-Trump rallies protesting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden.
Protests will be underway as Congress convenes to count the electoral votes approved by the House in December.
Both the president and his supporters have repeated unsubstantiated claims of mass voter fraud resulting in Biden unfairly winning the 2020 election, a claim former Attorney General William Barr and several intelligence agencies denied had any effect on the election’s outcome.
The BIG Protest Rally in Washington, D.C., will take place at 11.00 A.M. on January 6th. Locational details to follow. StopTheSteal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2021
Both the Proud Boys and some violent sects of counterprotest groups known as antifa have been at odds in recent months during public political events, often engaging in physical conflict due to ideological differences.
Last month, four stabbings occurred near a bar that served as a home base for Proud Boys members following a pro-Trump protest in the city.
The bar also resides inside Hotel Harrington, a common spot for members of the far-right group to stay while visiting the District.
Both the bar and the hotel announced closures on Jan. 4, 5 and 6 following reports of the planned rallies this week.
In Tarrio’s post, he called out the hotel for having “fallen victim to the fake news.”
Several public demonstrations will take place throughout the day on Jan. 6.
The Washington Post reported there have been online threats of violence, ploys to smuggle guns into the District and calls to set up an “armed encampment” on the Washington Mall.
Despite escalating tensions ahead of Wednesday’s planned mass gatherings, Trump has been eager to invite any and all of his supporters to D.C.