The former leader of the extremist Proud Boys claimed he received from members of the capital’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the location of left-wing counterprotesters inside Washington, D.C. Enrique Tarrio made the claim in a deposition to the U.S. House Special Committee investigating the events surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Tarrio, who resigned as the leader of the Proud Boys, made the claim on Feb. 4, during an interview with the select committee’s investigative counsel. Tarrio said in the deposition, he “coordinated with Metropolitan Police Department to keep my guys away – on these marches, to keep them away from counter-protesters completely.” The claim raises alarms about MPD’s willingness to work with far-right extremist groups. It also highlights concerns from left-wing and anti-racist groups that MPD focused more on their activities while ignoring threats from the far-right. Former National Policy Institute director Evan McLaren gave Hatewatch emails showing MPD previously liaised with the white nationalist National Policy Institute to ensure the safety of a planned event in 2017, months after the deadly far-right Charlottesville, Virginia, riot. McLaren publicly disavowed white nationalism in April. MPD didn’t respond to Hatewatch’s request for comment.
via splcenter: D.C. Police Worked with Proud Boys, Former Leader Tarrio Claims
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