A civil rights legal organization announced Monday that it is suing the Proud Boys and one of its founders, Enrique Tarrio, for vandalizing a historically black church in Washington, DC
In court files posted on Twitter, the president of the Civil Rights Lawyers’ Committee revealed that the group represented the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, one of the city’s oldest churches, built in 1886.
“We are suing the Proud Boys and their members for the racist attack on the AME Church in Washington DC. This attack was one of several attacks against churches aimed at their support for the Black Lives Matter movement,” the committee president wrote , Kristen Clarke, who added, “The Proud Boys are NOT above the law.”
BREAKING: We are suing the Proud Boys and their members for the racist attack on the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington DC. This attack was one of several attacks against churches seeking to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Proud Boys are NOT above the law. pic.twitter.com/CB53Upi9wH
– Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) January 4, 2021
The lawsuit, which also cites unidentified members of the Proud Boys organization, revolves around an incident in December when numerous people allegedly involved in the Proud Boys removed a sign reading “Black Lives Matter” from the AME church demolished.
Another historic black church, Asbury United Methodist Church, saw a banner torn down by others who appeared to be affiliated with or supported by the Proud Boys. Both incidents were captured on video and widely shared on social media.
Proud boys tear down another Black Lives Matter board from the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church #DC #MarchForTrump #DefendDC #ProudBoys pic.twitter.com/ml1TbhV98Q
– Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) December 13, 2020
Proud boys sitting outside of Harry’s cheers as more members come down the street with a large BLM banner. Pic.twitter.com/VGYxqBt1As
– Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) December 13, 2020
The Proud Boys, an all-male right-wing group, are known for targeting left-wing protesters, particularly protesters against police brutality and racism, with counter-demonstrations that often lead to violence.
The incidents were condemned at the time by Asbury United Methodist Pastor Rev. Ianther Mills, as well as the Mayor of DC. Muriel BowserThe Mayor of Muriel BowserDC is asking local residents to stay away from protesters who come to our city to seek confrontation. The DC Hotel frequented by Proud Boys closes on January 4th and 6th. The churches are offering MORE reduced online services for Christmas (D).
“Last night protesters who were part of the MAGA gatherings tore down our ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign and literally burned it on the street,” Mills said in December. “When I saw this act on video, I was both outraged and determined to fight the evil that has raised its ugly head. We were so confident that no one would ever destroy the church, but it happened. “
“DC’s faith-based organizations are at the heart of our community and give us hope in the face of darkness. They embody our DC values of love and inclusivity. Attacking them is attacking us all,” Bowser added The Time.
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