Proud Boys Lose Trademark to Black Church After Racist Attack

A Washington, D.C., court has ruled that the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, no longer have the rights to their own name. The decision comes after the group vandalized a Black church during a pro-Trump rally in December 2020, leading to a lengthy legal battle that ended in a historic ruling in favor of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.

On December 12, 2020, just weeks before the January 6 Capitol riot, thousands of Trump supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., for the so-called “Million MAGA March.” The event, aimed at challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election, quickly descended into violence. Among the chaos, members of the Proud Boys targeted the Metropolitan AME Church, a historic Black congregation.

Witnesses reported seeing Proud Boys tearing down a Black Lives Matter banner displayed on church grounds. Video evidence showed members of the group jumping over the church’s fence and destroying the sign while chanting far-right slogans. The church took immediate legal action, filing a lawsuit against the group on January 4, 2021.

“They did not just vandalize our church; they sent a message of hate to our entire community,” said Rev. William H. Lamar IV, the pastor of Metropolitan AME. “We could not let this act go unanswered.”

On Monday, Judge Tanya Bosier of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the church, stripping the Proud Boys of their trademark and barring them from profiting off their name and symbols without church consent. The ruling effectively hands control of the organization’s branding to the very institution they attacked.

“The court’s decision reflects the severity of the Proud Boys’ actions and the consequences of their racially motivated attack,” said Lisa Humes, an attorney representing the church. “Justice is being served.”

Judge Bosier’s decision follows an earlier ruling by Judge Neal Kravitz, who in June 2023 ordered the group to pay $2.8 million in damages. In his ruling, Kravitz condemned the Proud Boys’ actions as “highly orchestrated, hateful, and overtly racist.”

As part of the judgment, any revenue generated from Proud Boys merchandise—including clothing, flags, and other paraphernalia—now legally belongs to the church. Experts believe the ruling could have significant financial consequences for the group.

“This ruling is unprecedented,” said civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. “Not only are they being held accountable financially, but they are also being stripped of their identity. That’s a powerful message.”

Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, was quick to denounce the ruling. Speaking from prison, where he is serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 insurrection, Tarrio lashed out at Judge Bosier.

“Their actions are a betrayal of justice,” Tarrio told The New York Times. “I hold in contempt any motions, judgments, and orders issued against me.”

Tarrio, who was not in Washington, D.C., on January 6 but was found guilty of orchestrating the attack from afar, was previously sentenced to six months in jail for burning a Black Lives Matter banner at a different Black church in 2021.

This case sets a precedent for how courts may handle extremist groups that engage in targeted attacks. Legal experts believe this ruling could pave the way for further financial penalties against hate groups.

“This ruling proves that there are real-world consequences for acts of racial hatred,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, former president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. “It is a reminder that justice will find those who think they are above the law.”

As the Proud Boys reel from yet another legal blow, the Metropolitan AME Church remains steadfast in its mission. “We did not ask for this fight, but we refused to be intimidated,” Rev. Lamar said. “Today, justice has spoken.”