Tarrio faced legal issues including charges related to the Capitol riot and was famously told on live TV to ‘stand by’ from then president Trump.
Enrique Tarrio is an American political activist and the former leader of the far-right group known as the Proud Boys. Born on March 26, 1984, in Miami, Florida, Tarrio has been involved in conservative and right-wing activism, gaining attention for his role in organizing and leading the Proud Boys.
Early Activism:
- Enrique Tarrio became involved in political activism in the Miami area, aligning himself with conservative and right-wing causes.
- He served as the state director of the Latino outreach initiative for the grassroots organization Latinos for Trump.
Leadership of the Proud Boys:
- Tarrio rose to prominence as the chairman of the Proud Boys, a self-described “western chauvinist” organization.
- The Proud Boys gained attention for their involvement in political rallies and protests, often clashing with counter-protesters.
Controversies and Legal Issues:
- Tarrio faced legal troubles related to his involvement in an incident in Washington, D.C., in December 2020, where a Black Lives Matter banner was torn down from a historic Black church and burned.
- In January 2021, he was arrested on charges of possessing two high-capacity firearm magazines and for vandalizing the Black Lives Matter banner. The charges were part of a larger investigation into the events in Washington, D.C.
Relationship with Trump:
- Enrique Tarrio expressed support for Donald Trump and participated in Trump-related events.
- During the 2020 presidential election, the Proud Boys gained attention when Trump mentioned them during a presidential debate, saying, “Stand back and stand by.”
Post-Election Period:
- In January 2021, Tarrio was banned from entering Washington, D.C., around the time of the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6.
- He faced further legal issues related to the events in Washington, D.C., and the Proud Boys’ involvement in the Capitol riot.