Lawyers for the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers were ordered to turn over documents related to the groups’ involvement in a violent melee in Portland, Oregon, on New Year’s Eve.
The FBI on July 2 filed civil rights charges against three more Proud Boys members and a second man who also was involved in the attack. Several others have been charged.
A federal grand jury in Oregon has issued subpoenas to several organizations to learn what they knew about the incident, according to a federal prosecutor.
“Members of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys have been indicted for their violent attacks against a peaceful protest in Portland on New Year’s Eve,” said Peter Stegall, a U.S. attorney for Oregon. “Several of these organizations should be mindful that they, and they alone, have no right to exercise legal immunity. People may seek to help their lessor party by falsely identifying themselves as lawful authorities. Don’t be a cover-up, your actions are criminal.”
“No Justice, No Peace,” a group of protesters held a vigil across the street from the group of Proud Boys and other demonstrators when they stormed the parade. One of the protesters has also been charged with rioting.
Witnesses allege that members of the Proud Boys attempted to incite violence and rushed the protesters after someone opened fire. The Proud Boys described it as an assault.
The Proud Boys, an alt-right group that has gained national attention for espousing racist and anti-Semitic ideologies, were founded by Gavin McInnes. The Oath Keepers, a military-inspired militia group, is known for participating in clashes between white supremacists and counterprotesters at rallies.