The terrorist designation means the group may have assets seized and face harsher terrorism-related criminal penalties.
TORONTO — The Canadian government designated the Proud Boys group as a terrorist entity on Wednesday, noting they played a pivotal role in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan.6. The Proud Boys have faced increased scrutiny after seizing on the former Trump administration’s policies and was a major agitator during earlier protests and the Capitol riot on Jan.6. The Proud Boys is a far-right, male chauvinist extremist group known for engaging in violent clashes at political rallies. Canada is the first country to designate them as a terrorist entity. During a September presidential debate, Donald Trump had urged them to “stand back and stand by” when asked to condemn them by a moderator. A Canadian government senior official said the Jan.6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol contributed to the designation. The terrorist designation means the group may have assets seized and face harsher terrorism-related criminal penalties.
