The far-right band of brothers who have turned street thuggery into political theatre were not quite a household name before Donald Trump told them to "stand back and stand by".
The Proud Boys describe themselves as "Western chauvinists" who "refuse to apologise for creating the modern world". AP
When hundreds of Donald Trump supporters gathered for a Labour Day rally in Oregon, a man in the signature black-and-gold shirt of the Proud Boys approached the crowd with a welcoming smile.
If the Republican activists ever needed security for an event, said the man, Flip Todd, the Proud Boys were available. They had sworn loyalty to the country and the President, he said. "We'll continue to fight for you."
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Original URL: https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/proud-boys-trade-in-political-violence-finds-moment-in-the-sun-20201002-p561cv