Enrique Tarrio, a prominent figure within the Proud Boys organization, faced charges related to defacing a sign following a rally for then-President Donald Trump in December 2020. In a recent statement to USA TODAY, Tarrio expressed his intention not to sell Proud Boys merchandise either online or in physical stores. He boldly stated, “We don’t care because let somebody else have it. If they try to enforce it, excuse my language, but we’ll wipe our a– with it.”
Clarifying that his heritage is Afro-Cuban and emphasizing that the Proud Boys are not a white supremacist group, Tarrio mentioned plans to challenge the court’s decision. He also mentioned creating alternative shirts that would not be available for sale. Tarrio, who was among the nearly 1,600 individuals pardoned by Trump in relation to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, expressed his resilient attitude by saying, “We turn lemons into lemonade.” He teased the idea of producing shirts for personal use, playfully naming the group the African Methodist boys as a response to the trademark issues they face.
The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., targeted by the Proud Boys, is now looking to leverage the attention received to support various causes, including environmental justice, health disparities, and food insecurity. Reverend Lamar emphasized the church’s commitment to enhancing existing efforts in these areas.
The church’s iconic Black Lives Matter sign, recently replaced following the vandalism incident, stands prominently outside the historic red brick church. Described by Lamar as “bigger and blacker,” the sign symbolizes the church’s enduring commitment to civil rights and social justice causes. Known as one of the oldest Black churches in the city, the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement and continues to be a beacon of activism and community engagement.
In response to Tarrio’s comments, Lamar remained focused on the church’s mission and did not engage directly with his statements. The church, through its actions and events like the recent Martin Luther King, Jr., Day rally, remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting civil rights and promoting justice under changing political landscapes.
